Young Withdrawals from Race for Governor

Statement from Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Richard Young on His Withdrawal from the Race for Governor Nine months ago, I announced my candidacy to run for Governor of Indiana. My reasons for doing so sprang from three primary factors: The first was my knowledge and vast experience as a legislator, Senate Minority Leader, businessman, and family farmer. The second was a deep passion in my heart for the people of Indiana and for our Hoosier heritage. But even more powerful than any of these, I could not sit back and watch our state be governed in a way that is short-sighted and detrimental to ourselves, our children, and our grandchildren. I could not sit back while our state's resources were being sold for short-term gain while future generations are handed an empty checkbook. And I could not sit back while we were and continue to be defrauded into thinking that all the changes we see here in Indiana are for our greater good. They are not. And so I declared my candidacy for Governor. Anyone who knows me knows that I have a sincere desire to improve the lives of all Hoosiers, not just a small percentage. My campaign has always been about the politics of empowerment, one that is inclusive rather than exclusive. The kind of politics that is considered and considerate, not the politics of power that is dictatorial, demanding, and ultimately destructive. In short, I wanted to offer Hoosiers the kind of leadership and a new kind of politics that I feel the majority has yearned for that would ultimately empower our state and move it in a direction that benefits everyone. I feel that with the two recent polls showing me in second place lent credence to this effort. Over the course of these past 9 months, I was successful in putting together a team of respected political advisors and a dedicated staff to help make my vision for Indiana a reality. However, there is another reality. And that is, as we all know, the reality of raising a minimum of $20 million to mount a successful campaign to get my message out to all Hoosiers. As the campaign progressed, I had to acknowledge this reality and the fact that my ultimate goal has always been to elect a Democrat to the Governor's office. With two other candidates in the Democrat field for Governor vying for the same support and resources, it became clear that if we were going to defeat Mitch Daniels, cohesion within the party had to take precedence. For this reason, I am announcing my formal withdrawal from the race for Governor. By taking myself out the race at this time, I want to provide the remaining two candidates the opportunity to secure the areas of the state where I hold the greatest voter support. In doing this, I am hopeful that the strongest candidate will prove victorious before the primary. In this way, we can then coalesce behind one candidate sooner, rather than later, to help ensure that a Democrat will ultimately be successful in the race for Governor. I would like to take this opportunity to say how grateful I am for the support from so many Hoosiers who want a better Indiana and to offer some special thanks and gratitude: To my campaign chair and friend, Judy OBannon: Your support and encouragement helped shape this campaign. You inspire everyone around you to make a difference and I have been honored by your belief in my candidacy. To my campaign staff: I can't thank you enough for your commitment and dedication. I am humbled by the sacrifices you made in support of my campaign. The professionalism you demonstrated set a standard. Both Ashira and I treasure the friendships that have developed over the course of these past 9 months. To my Senate and House colleagues: You have been helpful in so many ways and I look forward to working together with you to help solve the critical challenges facing our state in the upcoming session. To my constituents in Southern Indiana's 47th District: The strong support you have given my campaign overwhelmed us. I am honored and blessed to have earned your trust. Finally, this campaign would not have made it past the first three days, let alone survive nine months, without the tireless effort and constant encouragement of my wife, Ashira. She took on every task with enthusiasm and determination. What she did not know, she learned. During the first months of the campaign, she was my campaign manager, speech writer, treasurer, scheduler, fundraiser, and speech giver when there were scheduling conflicts. She was and has continued to be the bedrock of the campaign. As Hoosiers began to meet her, there was as much excitement over what she could accomplish as First Lady as there was about what I could do as Governor. In closing, it is my sincere desire that we, as Democrats, come together and bring our formidable assets to bear on ensuring that a Democrat becomes the next Governor. Thank you.