DeMint Seat Race: 'Clear the decks'

COLUMBIA -- The lead Democratic challenger to U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint said Wednesday he is dropping out of the race.

Rock Hill attorney Chad McGowan, 38, said he decided his 8-year-old twin daughters and 4-year-old son must be his focus. "If I couldn't be fully committed to running or the job of being in the Senate, it would be a disservice to the people of South Carolina."

He said he wanted to "clear the decks for someone else."

DeMint, R-S.C., faces re-election in November.

McGowan said he sent a letter to donors Monday offering to send them a refund, adding he's raised about $250,000 since officially entering the race last October.

"I don't want anyone to feel burned," he said.

The latest filings to the Federal Election Commission show that, as of Dec. 31, he had raised about $197,300 but had $91,800 cash on hand, after spending $105,500.

DeMint, by contrast, had raised $2.3 million this election cycle and had $3.2 million cash.

McGowan said money played no part in his decision. His June primary opponent, Mike Ruckes of Summerville, had raised nearly $2,300 as of last quarter.

"You made my day," Ruckes said Wednesday when a reporter gave him the news. "Now that he's cleared the field, I'm the guy standing tall."