Less than two months after officially filing to run for Congress, former Charlotte city councilman James "Smuggie" Mitchell says he is no longer a candidate for the 12th congressional district seat.
Mitchell says the decision came down to money – a lack of it.
Mitchell didn't say how much he's raised, but in a statement says the latest fundraising report will show "disappointing financial results."
And without money, he says it's impossible to run a competitive campaign and win.
Mitchell says the past few months have been challenging. He mentions his loss to Patrick Cannon in the Mayor's race and "the extraordinary situation of being asked to potentially lead this city when it became necessary to appoint a new mayor."
He wanted Council to name him mayor after Cannon resigned. Council appointed Dan Clodfelter instead.
There are now six Democrats and two Republicans running for Congressman Mel Watt's seat in the 12th congressional district race. Mel Watt resigned from the seat to become head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency in January.
