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Reynolds drops out of race to replace Boehner

Posted at 8:59 PM, Dec 18, 2015
and last updated 2015-12-18 20:59:53-05

BUTLER COUNTY, Ohio -- Butler County Auditor Roger Reynolds has withdrawn from the race to replace former House Speaker John Boehner in Ohio's 8th Congressional District, the Journal-News reported.

Reynolds instead announced he would support  State Rep. Tim Derickson, R-Hanover Township, in the crowded race: Twenty candidates, including 17 Republicans, submitted petitions for the March 15 primary, the Journal-News reported.

Reynolds, a Liberty Township resident, released a statement that said, in part:

"The balance of family responsibilities and commitment to the job is delicate for all parents, including elected officials. When I made the decision to run 12 weeks ago, I was confident I could balance the family needs of raising two teenage daughters with the needs of the campaign and ultimately the responsibilities as congressman. I now realize a healthy balance is not possible and my family must take priority."

During the Butler County Republican Party’s endorsement vote earlier this month, Reynolds had received 59 percent, and many considered him an early frontrunner, the Journal-News reported.

Boehner resigned from his longtime congressional seat at the end of October.

The Journal-News reported that other Republicans who filed were: Matthew Ashworth of Hamilton; state Sen. Bill Beagle, R-Tipp City; Warren Davidson of Troy; Donald Feerer of Hamilton; Scott George of Troy; Eric Haemmerle of West Chester Township; Terri King of Middletown; Joseph Matvey of West Chester Township; Edward Meer of West Chester Township; John Robbins of Monroe; Michael Smith of Germantown; James Spurlino of Centerville; Kevin White of New Carlisle; J.D. Winteregg of Troy; and George Wooley of Troy.

Democrat Corey Foister of Fairfield, Libertarian Robert Coogan of Hamilton and Green Party candidate Jim Condit Jr., of Cincinnati also filed to run, the Journal-News reported.

Read more about the race at the Journal-News, a WCPO media partner.