GOP Gubernatorial Candidate in N.M. Exits

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Republican gubernatorial candidate J.R. Damron withdrew from the race Saturday, leaving his party to select a challenger to face Democratic Gov. Bill Richardson in the November general election.

Damron, a Santa Fe radiologist who has never held elected office, had no ballot opposition in this month's primary election. Damron had said he was leaving his medical practice to campaign full time.

However, Damron lagged so far behind Richardson in fundraising that some GOP insiders had questioned if Damron could run the aggressive campaign necessary to make up ground.

Richardson, a popular incumbent, is seeking a second term amid speculation that he may pursue the Democratic presidential nomination in 2008. His re-election campaign had a $5.7 million cash balance at the end of May. Damron, by contrast, reported $43,827 in reserves.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,,-5893493,00.html