GOP nominee for secretary of state drops out

By Dan Gearino | Friday, July 28, 2006

(Updated 9:37 a.m.) DES MOINES — Chuck Allison, the Republican nominee for secretary of state, announced this morning that he is dropping out of the race, citing personal reasons.

“After much thought and prayer, I have decided not to continue my campaign for secretary of state. This is not a decision that has been made lightly. However at this time personal reasons compel me to step aside,” he said in a statement.

Iowa GOP Executive Director Cullen Sheehan said party leaders will meet over the next few weeks to select a new candidate.

“The Republican Party understands and supports Chuck Allison’s decision to no longer run for secretary of state. The party will continue to actively and aggressively campaign to win the secretary of state race by nominating another candidate in the coming weeks,” Sheehan said.

The Democratic nominee for the office is Polk County Auditor Michael Mauro.

Allison, 51, a Des Moines podiatrist, became the Republican nominee in June when he easily won the primary over Urbandale lawyer Robert Dopf.

The secretary of state oversees elections and offers services to businesses, among other responsibilities.

Allison, who gave no details about his reasons for dropping out, said he still believes in the importance of having a strong leader in the secretary of state’s office. The current secretary of state, Democrat Chet Culver, is his party’s nominee for governor.

“This office is not one to be overlooked, and it is important that we continue to work for fair, nonpartisan elections,” Allison said.

Dan Gearino can be reached at 515-243-0138 and dan.gearino@lee.net.