Ailing Talmadge departing governor's race

[jono]

By DAVID AMMONS
AP POLITICAL WRITER

OLYMPIA, Wash. -- Democrat Phil Talmadge dropped out of the race for Washington governor on Thursday because he has a kidney tumor and may require surgery.

Talmadge said the tumor is not cancerous, but that he needs to focus on his health and not the rigors of a hotly contested primary.

"I'm putting my health and my family first," he said in an interview.

<snip>

Talmadge, 53, collapsed at a Bellevue Chinese restaurant Wednesday night last week - his own birthday dinner hosted by his family - and was taken to Overlake Hospital, where doctors diagnosed the tumor.

more....

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/aplocal_story.asp?category=6420&slug=WA%20Talmadge%20Governor

[SEAburb]

1. We're so screwed now! Sims is the only Dem left.

Somebody needs to be recruited fast to run in the primary against Sims. Sims can't win, he doesn't have the communication skills to compete.

[KT2000]

2. Sorry to hear this

Phil Talmadge is probably the most intelligent person to run for office - I would loved to have seen him take on the problems in this state.
Now, I just hope he gets better soon.

[ashling]

3. I hope Phil gets better soon.

He is a caring, intelligent, and courageous individual. We need more people like him in public service.

I hope he gets his fastball bak soon. He will be sorely missed.

[Cascadian]

4. I feel the same way.

I was gutted when I found out he was pulling out. I am now reluctant to support the remaining two candidates. I cannot think much of Gregoire since she would be a continuation of Locke. Sims would be better but I am suspicious of him. Especially after handling Sound Transit.

John

[icymist]

5. Here's to hoping a speedy recovery to Phil Talmadge.

Also, here's to hoping a speedy recovery to Washington's Democrats. There has to be a better choice than Gregory or Sims!