By BRIAN PORTER | The Rocky Mountain Voice
State Sen. Bob Gardner has not qualified to appear on the Republican Party’s 5th District primary ballot for Congress, ending his campaign.
He announced in an email Saturday morning that signatures needed for a successful petition onto the ballot were not in excess of the 1,500 threshold needed, after the Secretary of State’s review.
“Just as we were preparing for an upcoming debate this week, we received the letter from the Secretary of State notifying us that we would not be on the ballot,” Gardner wrote to supporters. “As disappointed as I am, I am not discouraged. From the day we announced, we have been gratified and encouraged by the support and contributions of so many good people who believe in our platform and our message of standing for conservative principles and getting things done for the people of the Pikes Peak region.”
It was his hope to change a culture of “divisive politics that cripples our country and prevents us from solving the serious issues of border security, affordability of life for our families and support for our service members and veterans,” Gardner wrote.
The Secretary of State has not yet released a report detailing Gardner’s petition to qualify for the ballot has failed. Gardner did not indicate if he was endorsing either of the remaining candidates: Jeff Crank or Dave Williams.
“I encourage you to continue to believe in our country and what it stands for,” he wrote to supporters, “to work and fight to make our country, state and community a place where everyone can grow and prosper.”