Sitting U.S. Senator John Walsh has decided to end his campaign for the U.S. Senate, but will stay in his position until after the coming election, according to a letter sent out by the campaign to supporters today, August 7 at around 3:42 p.m.

The letter in its entirety is posted below and indicates that the plagiarism scandal was a major reason for the resignation.

Montanans,

Nothing is more important to me than serving the people of Montana. It’s been my privilege for more than 30 years, defending both our state and nation.

The 2007 research paper from my time at the U.S. Army War College has become a distraction from the debate you expect and deserve. I am ending my campaign so that I can focus on fulfilling the responsibility entrusted to me as your U.S. Senator. You deserve someone who will always fight for Montana, and I will.

I am proud that with your support, we held our opponent accountable for his hurtful record to privatize Medicare, to deny women the freedom to make their own health decisions and to sell off our public lands. I know how important it is to continue the fight for these Montana values, and it is time for us all to return to the real issues of this election.

I am grateful for the opportunity to have met countless people in the course of this campaign who have offered support – who know what’s at stake for the future of our great nation. That is why public service is so important to me, and why I look forward to continuing to fight for Montana in the U.S. Senate.

Sincerely,

John Walsh

 

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