Well, that was fast...

Looks like Campaign 2010 has already claimed its first casualty:

Effective June 29, 2009, Jim Rutledge has suspended his campaign to represent the citizens of Maryland in the United States Senate.

Recent developments have led Jim Rutledge to decide that his personal and professional commitments will prevent him from giving the people of Maryland the necessary commitment to campaign for election to the United States Senate in 2010.

Jim expresses his heartfelt gratitude for all those who have supported him with their time, talents, and resources. Jim will continue to promote freedom and those unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and encourages you to exercise your freedom of speech.

Thank you and Live Free.

Jim Rutledge

It's definitely unfortunate because there was no sign of his dropping out when he came to address the Wicomico County Republican Club last week. Sure, his was a long-shot bid to unseat Senator Mikulski but that would be true of practically any Republican in Maryland not named Bob Ehrlich.

Apparently this news has emboldened another Republican to throw his hat into the ring, at least according to his Facebook page. Queen Anne's County Commissioner Dr. Eric Wargotz is running, or so he claims. I've already asked Eric about a website so once that's up and running I'll link to it. In the meantime we'll see if Wargotz is willing to campaign here and address our club.

I'm sorry to see Rutledge go but obviously other things are more important to him than a Senate seat.

Postscript: See the comment, he's back in.