Former U.S. representative drops out of governor's race

Republican candidate David McIntosh has announced he will not seek his party's nomination in the upcoming 2004 gubernatorial election. \nThe former U.S. Representative made the announcement Thursday afternoon during a press conference at GOP headquarters in Indianapolis. McIntosh cited growing support for fellow candidate Mitch Daniels, which includes an endorsement from President George Bush, as the main reason behind his decision. Daniels is the former White House budget director.\n"The team is coalescing around Mitch Daniels and I'm a team player, have always been a team player and I want to be part of the team," McIntosh said during the news conference. \nMcIntosh, who made an unsuccessful bid for governor on the Republican ticket against Frank O'Bannon in 2000, has been campaigning for his party's nomination since December. \nHis decision came as a shock as early polls had shown McIntosh was better known than any other candidate, even Daniels. Seventy-three percent of those surveyed in a WISH-TV poll taken in July knew of McIntosh, while 42 percent recognized Daniels' name.\nMcIntosh is the third Republican to drop out of the race after Luke Kenley of Noblesville and Murray Clark of Indianapolis. His departure leaves candidates Eric Miller, Randy Harris, Bob Parker, and Daniels vying for the position. \n"He (McIntosh) came to this decision and he supports Mitchell's candidacy and has agreed to be a part of the team," said Ellen Whitt, a member of Daniels' campaign committee.\nOther candidates maintain McIntosh's decision will not greatly effect their campaign strategy.\n"We're going to continue to do what we've been doing since the beginning," Miller said. "I've never focused on candidates. I've always focused on winning the nomination and the election." \nMiller was the first candidate to enter gubernatorial race two years ago.\nWhile the candidates are discounting the importance of McIntosh's announcement, some local Republicans say they are pleased with the move. \n"I think it was the smart move by McIntosh," said Bloomington City Council District V representative David Sabbagh. "I think this will focus the race further and more people will see Daniel's strengths."\nMcIntosh said Thursday it had become clear that Democrats would field a "strong team" in the governor's race, and it was important for Republicans to run as a team. State Sen. Vi Simpson, former state and national Democratic chairman Joe Andrew are seeking the Democratic nomination. \n-- The Associated Press contributed to this story. Contact staff reporter Lindsay Jancek at lmjancek@indiana.edu.