Syracuse, NY - Peter Cappuccilli Jr., the Republican candidate seeking Rep. Jim Walsh's seat in Congress, withdrew from the race today.
Cappuccilli had been the sole Republican candidate for the seat being vacated by the retirement of Walsh, R-Onondaga. Republican Randy Wolken announced March 13 that he was dropping his name from contention, and urged Republicans to unite around Cappuccilli.
Dan Maffei, who came within about 3,400 votes of beating Walsh in 2006, is the sole Democratic candidate in the race. Maffei, reached late tonight, declined comment on Cappuccilli's withdrawal.
The decision came after doctors warned Cappuccilli, 57, about his health, said his campaign spokesman, Kurt Stroman. Cappuccilli recently experienced medical symptons similar to those that accompany a transient ischemic attack, or mini-stroke, Stroman said.
"I do not think that it is fair to my family, my friends and supporters, the party or the residents of this district who are about to make a very important decision about their future representative in Congress, for me to continue this campaign while distracted by health concerns," Cappuccilli said in a statement released tonight. "As difficult as it is for me to accept that health concerns have caused me to formally withdraw my name from this race, I hope that people will understand that I need to take care of my health at this time."
Cappuccilli suffered a mini-stroke last year, according to his campaign's statement. He is undergoing testing at a hospital in West Palm Beach, Fla., where he was visiting family.
All campaign events, including any scheduled fundraisers, have been cancelled and all contributions will be returned in accordance with Federal Election Law, according to his campaign.
