State senator Mark Amodei just announced he is dropping out of the U.S. Senate race.  His statement:

I have advocated many positions during my public service which I felt forwarded the best interests of Nevadans because I believe such advocacy is the hallmark of leadership. Leadership is a word that is absent from much of today’s discussion of those who are in and those who aspire to elected public office. Leadership, in my view, consists not only of knowing when to stand up; but also knowing when to stand down. Accordingly, with this communication, I am announcing my withdrawal from the Republican United States Senate primary, effective immediately.

Goes on to say he is proud of his campaign and glad to have met lots of folks.

Adds that he believes “depth of experience and depth of knowledge about our issues” are primary credentials but “access to the monetary resources to showcase those credentials is also a necessary requirement to mounting a viable primary campaign.

Ends with:

I have chosen this time and place to announce my decision because tomorrow, and in the days that follow of the coming Special Session of the Nevada Legislature, my continuing duties as a State Senator, will require a full commitment to those advocacy and leadership jobs with which the voters of the Capital Senate district have entrusted me for nearly a dozen years. I will continue to fight for what I believe are the right policies for all of Nevada as we emerge from the present challenges and move into the future.

To that end, I do not want the self-anointed pundits to claim my positions are purely for political grandstanding. I refused to do that in the 2009 session, and I again refuse to engage in such conduct.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved with my campaign. It has meant a lot to me, and I am very humbled by the hard work, donations, and friendships I have made during this process. Thank you.

I will not endorse any candidate in the primary election. The voters will make known their endorsement soon enough. I will complete the remainder of my term as a state senator, and look forward to future opportunities to serve my community, my state, and my country.

Hat Tip:  RalstonFlash e-mail