Behn drops out of governor’s race

State Senator Jerry Behn, a Republican from Boone, becomes the third candidate to drop out of the 2010 race for governor.  Read the news release below.

Behn exits GOP gubernatorial primary, endorses Branstad

(BOONE) – State Sen. Jerry Behn, candidate for governor in the Republican primary, announced today that he is leaving the race and endorsing former Governor Terry Branstad.

“My passion for this state is just as fervent as it was the day I began my first campaign for the Iowa Senate,” said Behn, who announced his run for governor earlier this year. “In visiting with scores of individuals across the state, there is no question that Iowa must do better with regard to job creation, the state’s budget and education. While I believe I could have made a real difference in these areas as governor, I am stepping aside to focus on electing Terry Branstad as our next Governor.”

Behn, who farms in rural Boone County, was elected to the Iowa Senate in 1996.

“I believe now, more than ever, Iowa needs a chief executive who comprehends the enormous opportunity we have to reform state government.  I put my full support behind the campaign of Governor Branstad,” said Behn.

Branstad welcomed the support of Behn as a sign of the growing momentum in his campaign’s organization.   He says Behn will be instrumental in developing solutions to the challenges the state faces.

“I look forward to working with Jerry as we discuss the ideas and tools needed in order to lead Iowa’s comeback,” said Branstad. “Jerry’s assistance and guidance will be valuable to our campaign as we continue advancing a conservative, pro-economic development agenda.”

Senator Behn thanked all those who came out to hear him during his campaign.  “I especially want to thank all of those Iowans who said they would support my candidacy,” concluded Behn.