Pickens County neurosurgeon Bert Loftman has suspended his candidacy in the July primary for the Georgia 9th Congressional District after drawing little support in Tuesday's special election.
Dr. Loftman sent out an e-mail around 9:15 this morning saying he is dropping out "unless there is an unexpected event" and is throwing his support behind Tom Graves, the top vote-getter in the special election. Mr. Graves will face Lee Hawkins in a runoff June 8.
"I have been impressed with the various concerned citizens and groups such as the Tea Party, 912 Project, Campaign for Liberty, etc.," wrote Dr. Loftman, who garnered 2.5 percent of Tuesday's vote. "However, this awareness of some has not yet garnered support from the 'masses' as reflected by the low voter turnout."