Melissa Gilbert drops out of race for Congress

[LovingA2andMI]

Source: USA Today

"WASHINGTON — Little House on the Prairie actress Melissa Gilbert is dropping out of the race for a congressional seat in Michigan, citing advice from her doctors.

Gilbert made the announcement through a statement issued by her campaign shortly after a report by WDIV-TV, Detroit, on Tuesday evening that she intended to leave the race, and a Detroit Free Press report that Democratic members of Michigan's congressional delegation had been told Tuesday about Gilbert's impending decision.

In her statement, Gilbert said injuries to her head and neck sustained in accidents in 2012 had worsened, forcing her from the race and denying Democrats what may have been their best chance to pick up what has been a reliably Republican district in recent years.

"While I have received the best treatment and therapy I could have asked for, those injuries have only gotten worse," said Gilbert. "As much as it breaks my heart to say this, my doctors have told me I am physically unable to continue my run for Congress."

Earlier Tuesday, as rumors swirled about the possibility of Gilbert abandoning the race, state elections director Chris Thomas said even if she dropped out, her name would, at this date, remain on the Aug. 2 primary ballot — and probably be the only Democrat on it."

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2016/05/25/melissa-gilbert-out-race-congress/84897172/

Read more: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2016/05/25/melissa-gilbert-out-race-congress/84897172/

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One would think she would have figured this out earlier. Now this likely leaves this critical seat in Republican hands in a Purple/Red District where it will be HARD for a new Democratic candidate to gain traction. #SMH

[LittleGirl]

1. That's not fair

health reasons are good enough to drop out. Head injuries can be serious long term issues for even the healthiest among us.

[LovingA2andMI]

3. Let's Count The Months....Shall We....

It is May (the end of May at that). June, July, August, September, October, November --- ELECTION.

That means a candidate has to be found, the means test on if they can raise enough money has to be determined, a massive marketing campaign launched and more.

But FIRST the Board of Canvassers (that unstable board) would have to approve the Democratic Runner-Up Linda Keefe, has enough signatures now to be on the ballot. There is precedence with John Conyers BUT still -- who know if this will be allowed in Keefe's case?

Worst case, Gilbert's name remain on the ballot although she cannot actively campaign -- and a CRITICAL seat is lost as a result.

AGAIN -- this is a decision that should have been made on her behalf before APRIL 19, 2016 or that LAST DATE of party primary filings in Michigan. PERIOD.

[eggplant]

6. It's been red for the last 15+ years. It isn't a seat being "lost".

It sucks that we won't pick it up. But honestly, if she had dropped out earlier, what other D would have had an even vague chance at unseating Bishop?

[LovingA2andMI]

11. Who Knows?

But one thing for sure NOW -- the seat is LOST for a Democratic Pickup. PERIOD!

[Ichingcarpenter]

2. I'm sorry to hear this

I knew she had health problems in the past knowing her history with the actor's guild but she said she was better and ready to go.
I wondered about this when she announced.

Sad for Michigan, her, democrats and your district.

[brooklynite]

4. FWIW, this race was a stretch...

This was a Likely/Safe Republican seat.

[cstanleytech]

5. Max Cleland ran for office and hes in a wheelchair so I wonder bad her injuries are if they make

her unable to run for office.

[eggplant]

7. Oh, please.

Speculating on this is just tasteless and unfeeling. Nobody is in a position to wonder about this -- it is her decision, she explained it, let it go.

Is it fun second guessing her medical team?

[cstanleytech]

8. Chill out with the hostility, I am not demanding she explain it

I was just curios is all which is normal for most people.

[DeadLetterOffice]

9. Your post certainly suggested...

... a "well this guy can so why can't she?" attitude that, as a person with an invisible disability, I found insensitive. Second guessing her doctors when you have no information about her actual condition doesn't come across as simple "curiosity." Being in a wheelchair (or not, as the case may be) is not a reliable indicator of how impaired a person may be in their daily functioning.

[Blue_Adept]

10. Everyone's pain is unique

and utterly unknowable to someone else.

[ripcord]

15. You have to take care of yourself first

Hopefully she will be OK.

[CBGLuthier]

12. Hey she had a hydrogen bomb laden space ship dropped on her by her own husband, give her a break.

[ManiacJoe]

13. I forgot all about that!

[Myrina]

14. ... isn't that the same excuse when she quit DWTS?