Below is the facebook status he posted around 8 a.m. this morning.
After careful consideration, I have decided that the best thing for me, my family and the Republican Party is to withdraw my candidacy for the Republican nomination for Attorney General of Virginia. Both of my opponents have been campaigning statewide for a significantly longer time than I have. They have used that extra time well, and should be commended.
This has been a wonderful experience. I am thankful for all of the new friends I have made across the Commonwealth. There are too many people to thank personally in this note but I do want to thank a few people specifically. First, I want to thank my wife of almost 30 years, Sheila, my daughter Stephanie, my son Robert and his wife Kristi, and my parents Tom and Carol, for their love, support and encouragement.
Sincerely,
John