Democrat Brad Bradshaw is ending his campaign for lieutenant governor and ties his decision to former U.S. Rep. Russ Carnahan’s recent announcement that he’s jumping in.
Bradshaw, a physician and lawyer with offices in St. Louis and Springfield, also is halting his initiative-petition effort to legalize the medicinal use of marijuana.
In an email sent Thursday to campaign aides and supporters, Bradshaw cited “the hard analysis of the recent developments of Russ Carnahan entering the Lieutenant Governor's race, the relationship between Carnahan and (Missouri Attorney General Chris) Koster, and several competing medical marijuana initiative petitions…”
Bradshaw's campaign provided St. Louis Public Radio with a copy of the candidate’s statement. Bradshaw could not be reached for comment.
A few weeks ago, Bradshaw had maintained he wouldn't be affected by Carnahan's entry.
Bradshaw’s departure leaves Carnahan and state Rep. Tommie Pierson, D-Bellefontaine Neighbors, as the two remaining announced Democratic candidates for lieutenant governor. The leading Republican candidate for the post is state Sen. Mike Parson of Bolivar, Mo. Incumbent Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, a Republican, has announced he’s running for governor.
The latest campaign reports showed Parson with just over $1 million in the bank, compared to $415,097 for Bradshaw. Pierson, who’s also a pastor, reported $9,176 on hand.
Candidate filing begins Feb. 23 and continues through most of March.
