McDonald Exits CD-10 Race

Let the tongues begin wagging and the heads get scratched: Austin businessman and Democrat Jack McDonald, who had all the appearance of a serious candidate (including raising almost $1 million), has dropped out of the Congressional District 10 race. So you unhappy Dems sick of Mike McCaul: You're probably stuck with him for another two years.

The announcement that McDonald just sent out about an hour ago:

In February, after receiving strong encouragement from friends and supporters throughout Texas to consider running for United States Congress, we formed an Exploratory Committee to evaluate the race.

My wife, Carla, and I have been humbled by the broad and deep kindness and support we've received over the last 10 months from fellow Texans, including business, community and political leaders, Democrats, Independents and Republicans alike.

However, after careful consideration, and with the January 4 filing deadline approaching, I have decided against filing to enter the race. This was a difficult decision for me and one I did not make lightly. I approached the decision in the same way I have approached my business decisions over the years – in an informed, realistic and fiscally-responsible way. In the next few weeks, we will be offering to return to our supporters the generous contributions made to our committee.

For Carla and me, the last 10 months have provided some of the best and most enriching moments of our lives. It has been deeply gratifying to have had so many wonderful people from throughout the district and state share with us their hopes and concerns. We will always be grateful for the many wonderful new friends we have made over the last 10 months and the deeper bonds we have forged with our long-time friends.

As we look ahead, I remain more committed than ever to public service, to the need for more people in government who can put aside partisanship to do what’s right for Texas and America and to my work with the State of Texas' Emerging Technology Fund and the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce to create more good jobs in the state.

Thank you very much for your support and friendship over the last 10 months. It has meant the world to Carla and me. I wish you a joy-filled holiday and a happy, healthy and prosperous 2010.

Sincerely,
Jack