Ward Cammack has discontinued his candidacy for governor of Tennessee.
The Democratic candidate said "after careful consideration with his wife, Shelley, he will return to private business."
“Despite significant personal time, money and appeal of my vision for the state, long-standing political alliances proved impenetrable and fund raising ground to a halt, effectively ending the campaign,” Cammack said in a letter mailed to early supporters Wednesday.
Today on his website, he posted the letter thanking supporters for their generosity.
He said, “This campaign stood strong for a year because of the enthusiastic supporters and our mutual belief in Tennessee becoming the primary global renewable energy leader. Tennessee has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to lead not only other states, but other countries. And I challenge the remaining candidates to make that a reality.”
Mr. Cammack left the investment business at the end of 2008 to jumpstart his candidacy for the 2010 gubernatorial election. He was the first candidate to throw his name in the race, entering "solely to lead Tennessee through this economic reset."
His campaign said, "With no political background, Cammack stood out amongst career politicians who entered the race. He offered solid ideas and a 39-page copyrighted plan he started writing two years ago to explain how Tennesseans can bring prosperity to the state."
“I wish the best of luck to those fighting for Tennessee just as I did this year,” Mr. Cammack said. “It was a pleasure running in the same race together, the race to move Tennessee into the new, green economy by creating jobs, reconstructing education and fixing our healthcare system.”