Arkansas Gubernatorial Race: McDaniel Out, Halter In

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel has formally ended his bid to become governor today.

McDaniel faced questions about his future in the race since he admitted to an "inappropriate" relationship last month with Hot Springs attorney Andrea Davis.

Read More: Arkansas Attorney General Apologizes for Affair

In an letter to his supporters, McDaniel explained his decision to leave the 2014 Arkansas Governor's race.

"I sought public office to serve my fellow Arkansans and to lead on issues that matter to the State that I love. I have done that, and I will be forever proud of my record in the legislature and as AG. I had hoped that I could shape the 2014 gubernatorial debate with my vision for the future. Unfortunately, I am now convinced that if I run for Governor, this campaign would be about me personally, rather than Arkansas's future," said McDaniel.

"When it comes to our economy, our infrastructure and our schools - Arkansas is at a crossroads.  I believe that we need a visionary to lead our state forward on these critical issues.  Arkansas deserves a campaign that will focus on those issues, so I believe it's in the best interests of my family, our state and the Democratic Party for me to not run for Governor," continued McDaniel.

"Bobbi and I want to thank the many people who have encouraged and supported us and continue to lift our family up in prayer. My path lies in doing my job and enjoying my family, not in the chaos of this campaign.  I will spend my last two years as Attorney General focused on issues that matter to Arkansas, like fighting Medicaid fraud, ending the Pulaski County Desegregation case and standing up for consumers.  I pledge that our next Attorney General will inherit one of the most well-run offices in the United States, and I will leave grateful for the tremendous honor of having served," McDaniel concluded.

According to the Arkansas Democrat, former Democratic Lt. Gov. Bill Halter has announced he will run for Governor.

Halter made the announcement in the following email. He'll file paperwork next week to establish a campaign committee as the necessary first administrative step towards a campaign for governor in 2014.  

A formal announcement will be declared at a later date.

"Over the holidays my family and I talked about the demands a campaign for governor would place on us," said Halter.  "We decided as a family that we are up for the challenge. That's why next week I will take the first necessary step towards running for governor in 2014."
 
"During my campaign for governor I will put forward my plans and ideas to move Arkansas towards an even brighter future," said Halter.