Robinson Drops Bid for Virginia’s 1st CD Democratic Nomination, Krystal Ball Now De Facto Nominee

Late this afternoon Scott Robinson, issued the following press release:

When we started this campaign seven months ago, I had just retired from a 25-year career in the United States Army and was attempting to catch up to my would be opponents by building a political operation from scratch.  The factors surrounding that short amount of time proved to be a daunting task. That is why I will be changing directions and am putting aside my aspirations to serve in Congress for now.

I wanted to send you this note so that you would be the first to know of my decision and also be the very first to know how much you meant to me during this campaign.  Your support, your financial contributions and most of all, your friendship have made this transition from the military to the political arena much more meaningful.

For now, I am going to take some time off and spend it with my wife, Sandy.  Through all of this she has been an amazing advisor and friend.  There really is something to be said about having a partner in marriage for over 25 years and I am so thankful she is my wife.

As I move into this new phase in my life, I look forward to your continued friendship and the experiences we will share.

Again, thank you for all that you have done.

Sincerely,

Scott

I understand that this decision had to be tough for Scott and I applaud him for making the right one. The math was just too insurmountable for him at this point. I’d like to thank Scott for his incredible sacrifice and look forward to working with him moving forward to elect Krystal come November. 

UPDATE: Krystal Ball just issued a statement on the withdrawal of Scott Robinson from the race.

Friends,

We did it! I am happy to announce that I am the presumptive Democratic nominee for Virginia’s 1^st Congressional District! With the concession of our primary opponent this afternoon, we are now moving swiftly into the general election.

But our work is just beginning! We are now fighting against incumbent Republican and rubber stamp for Eric Cantor, Rob Wittman, and Tea Partier Catherine Crabill, who in 2008 campaigned against, “the socialist power-grab of B. Hussein Obama.”

[…]

On behalf of my family and my entire staff, thank you. I am overwhelmed by your hard work, generosity and dedication and I look forward to continuing this fight with you by my side.  Thank you also to our primary opponent Scott Robinson for his service to our country, and a race well fought.

[…]

Again, thank you. I am honored to have your support.

Most sincerely,

Krystal Ball, VA-1