A Grafton legislator says he will not be a candidate for Governor in 2016.
"My family and I have decided now is not the time for me to join the 2016 Governor's race," Sen. Tom Campbell (R-Grafton) told Bismarck reporters.
Campbell had set up an exploratory committee, to see whether he should run.
"I will continue to fight for strong Republican leadership for the state, and look forward to continue my work in the North Dakota state Senate," said Campbell. "Our Republican party is strong and diverse, and provides a bright future for our state's citizens."
One other reason Campbell decided against running is the all-but-certain candidacy of Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem, who reportedly will announce next week.
"He (Stenehjem) is a favored candidate," Campbell said. "He's a good friend. And I think -- by me jumping in and making that race tight, it would probably split the party, and it would probably get ugly. And I just didn't want to do that."
Bismarck Representative Rick Becker is also in the race for the GOP Governor’s nomination. Campbell says while he personally likes Becker, he thinks Becker might be a little too far to the right.
