Posted: 7/12/06
Democrat Ford Bell drops out of U.S. Senate race, throws support to Amy Klobuchar
by T.W. Budig
ECM capitol reporter
Democrat Ford Bell has dropped out of the U.S. Senate race, endorsing Hennepin County Attorney Amy Klobuchar for the spot he sought for 15 months.
ìI will not rule anything out,î said Bell of his political future.
Although Bell ó a veterinarian and educator ó believes he would have won 30 percent of the delegate vote at the recent DFL State Convention, he explained at a Capitol press conference on Tuesday (July 11) that he lacked sufficient campaign funding to mount an effective primary election challenge.
The fact his campaign raised more than $900,000 since its inception more than a year ago and yet cannot afford to compete shows the need for campaign finance reform, Bell explained.
Bell said had he been able to challenge Republican Rep. Mark Kennedy in the U.S. Senate race this fall, his message would have prevailed.
He attributed the campaign funding he did raise to his strong stance on removing U.S. troops from Iraq and universal health care.
Bell endorsed Klobuchar, asking his supporters to support her. ìI am grateful for Ford Bellís support,î said Klobuchar in an issued statement. ìWeíve had our differences, but today we are united and determined to elect a senator who will put the people of Minnesota first,î she said.
Kennedy praised Bell for debating the issues.
ìWhile Ford Bell and Amy Klobuchar share most of the same issue positions, Ford spoke very clearly about his ideas and his candor will be greatly missed on the Democratic side of this race,î said Kennedy in an issued statement.
Bell strongly opposed the Iraq War from the outset of his campaign. In an interview last summer, Bell called it ìimmoral,î the doings of one man: President George Bush.
ìThis business of around the corner weíre going to be fine ó thatís the Vietnam Syndrome,î said Bell.
A licensed veterinarian, Bell indicated that he might again begin to practice.
Bell withdrew from the race on Tuesday with his family standing at his side. His wife Amy wiped tears from her eyes.
Bell said that Tuesday was he and his wifeís 14th wedding anniversary.
Capitol Roundup
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