The Roanoke Times reported today:
Roanoke state Sen. John Edwards has dropped plans to seek the Democratic nomination for Virginia attorney general, saying he could not devote enough time to mount a competitive campaign.
Edwards’ decision leaves state Sen. Creigh Deeds of Bath County as the lone candidate for the Democratic nomination, which will be determined in a June 14 primary. It also means that Democrats will have just one contested race on the primary ballot, with four candidates seeking the nomination for lieutenant governor. Tim Kaine, the incumbent lieutenant governor, has no opponent for the gubernatorial nomination.
I’ve criticized Sen. Edwards for his poor job of fundraising, and his campaigning wasn’t much better. I was represented by Sen. Edwards in the year and a half that I lived in Blacksburg, and I like him just fine — he’s a great guy. But he hasn’t been doing what it takes to win the race, so I’m glad he dropped out. That said, competition is an important political force. It’s a shame to see Sen. Creigh Deeds (who represents me now) run without opposition.