I’ve gotten to know James over the last couple of months and was very impressed with him. Unfortunately, he’s withdrawing from the Congressional race for health reasons. Below is his statement:
I have some difficult news to share with you.
Beginning in mid-December, I experienced a number of episodes of chest pain, with the severity increasing over the holidays. My family has a history of heart related deaths at early ages, so I finally went to the doctor after a couple of very alarming bouts of severe pain earlier this month. The initial examination and tests were very concerning to my family and I because they indicated possible problems with the proper electrical functioning of my heart. After a more intensive round of tests last week, obstructive heart disease has been ruled out, but the reason for the chest pain, which is continuing, has not been determined. Last Friday, I met with my doctor who advised that, after discussing the myriad demands on my time as a father of three with a full-time legal practice and a congressional race, I should view this as a “wake up call.” Based on that discussion, and after much thought and prayer, I determined that it would be in my best interests to reduce my commitments. I do not want to ignore this advice and end up in a very serious condition in a few years. Moreover, as a husband and a father, it would not be responsible for me to not safeguard my family’s future as much as possible.
So, today, I regrettably announce that I am withdrawing from the race for the 3rd Congressional District.
This has been a very difficult decision. While campaigning for office is extremely challenging, I have greatly enjoyed traveling the district and meeting new friends in every county. I was very much looking forward to the rest of the campaign and the chance to serve. I am appalled at what is being done to our country by the current leadership in Washington. I am committed to fighting the radical agenda and irresponsible spending of President Obama, Speaker Pelosi, and Senator Reid however possible. I just cannot continue to do so as a candidate for Congress. I deeply appreciate those of you who volunteered their time and efforts over the last several months. To those of you who contributed to my campaign in these difficult economic times, words cannot convey how humbly grateful I am. I have spoken to many of you, but will be continuing to make calls in the coming days.
It is my hope that the reckless and irresponsible spending of the Obama administration and Congressional Democrats has finally settled the debate over how we need to govern our country. For decades, the Democrats have argued that we just weren’t taxing enough or in the right way. Well, now, almost no level of taxation can support what we are spending. Spending is clearly the problem. We must demand from our elected representatives more discipline, more humility, and more honesty about the challenges facing us in the coming years. That is what I will be looking for when I cast my vote for the next Congressman from the 3rd District. I would encourage everyone else to do the same.
Thank you, James Galyean
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