Peter Cappuccilli Jr., the Republican candidate seeking Rep. Jim Walsh's seat in Congress, withdrew from the race today.
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 the 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.
This is huge news. Cappuccilli was the only challenger thus far to step up to the plate and challenge Maffei. Maffei could, realistically, run unopposed. Unopposed for an open seat... no kidding.
While I hope Cappuccilli is okay healthwise, this is huge news for NY-25. Maffei no longer has a challenger and finding that one challenger was a huge obstacle for Republicans.
