EXCLUSIVE : Neuhardt Exits SoS Race, Field Cleared for O'Shaughnessy

Sharen Neuhardt, who was the first and only candidate to pull petitions in a challenge to now-former candidate Jennifer Garrison, tells OhioDaily this afternoon that she is respecting the Governor's wishes and yielding the race to his chosen candidate, Franklin County Clerk of Courts Maryellen O'Shaughnessy.

From a statement prepared for OhioDaily:

After telling Party officials about ten days ago that I was giving serious consideration to entering the Secretary of State's race, I spent the next several days assessing whether this run would be feasible. I am heartened by the amount of support and encouragement I received. That support and encouragement reinforced my belief that our state has many bright and talented individuals who are committed to core Democratic values and willing to put their money, time, and talent where their mouths and values are.

The Governor has now asked Maryellen O'Shaughnessy to run and, while I am disappointed, I respect the Governor's decision and will not challenge Maryellen in the primary. I wish Maryellen the best of luck in her campaign for this critically important office and look forward to finding other opportunities to serve the citizens of Ohio in the future.

Neuhardt has no plans to seek office in the future, but when asked, wouldn't rule it out.

Those who tried desperately to keep Neuhardt from entering the race for Secretary of State (or will try to deprive her a gracious exit), would be wise to keep her on the list for future opportunities. She's smart, confident, a terrific campaigner, and an outstanding fundraiser. She is, in short, a dream candidate. Here's hoping someday she gets another shot to help advance the things we all care about.