by Bruce Gietzen
CENTRAL TEXAS - Democrat State Senate candidate Lyndon Laird of Grandview has withdrawn from the November election, effectively allowing Republican incumbent Brian Birdwell of Granbury to keep his District 22 seat.
Laird, an attorney, sent a letter to Democratic Party officials August 1st, but his decision wasn't announced until Thursday.
The Baylor Law School grad said he was approached to run for office by some Democratic friends. He made it clear to them he was a longtime conservative who believed in some of the main party principles like the value of a good education, access to health care, good jobs and equal rights.
But he further explained in the letter, "it became clear that I could not wholeheartedly support certain other Democratic Party positions, something the Party deserves in a candidate. In addition, I was forced to consider the realities of substantial and continuing campaign expenses, my professional obligations, a well-funded incumbent who can campaign full-time, and polls which are not encouraging."
Laird admitted District 22 is one of the most conservative districts in a conservative state, and he appreciated the support, time, efforts and encouragement of many Democrats and friends in his campaign.
State Democratic Executive Committee members Kelly McDonald and Wendell Helms responded to Laird's decision with a statement.
"We're obviously very disappointed that Laird withdrew his candidacy from this important race. Senator Birdwell's positions are extreme, out-of-touch, and detrimental to families in this district," they said.
"Voters deserve to have a choice to vote for someone more in touch with mainstream values," they added. "It's unfortunate Laird can't be replaced because there are a number of qualified candidates that would have been interested in seeking the office."
The deadline has passed for any other candidates to enter the Senate race.
District 22 includes McLennan, Falls, Hill and Bosque counties.
