Pollock Withdraws From 26th Congressional District Race

Supporters of former Bad News Bears star and Congressional candidate David Pollock received their own bad news Thursday. Moorpark City Councilmember Pollack has announced he is suspending his campaign for California's 26th Congressional District.

Calling it one of the most difficult decisions he's ever made, he wrote in an email to his supporters sent at a little after 1 p.m. on Thursday that "because of the way the field formed, there was a strong possibility of an unfavorable outcome, not only for me but the other Democrats in the race."

Before he withdrew, Pollock was joined on the Democrat side by business man David Cruz Thayne, Oxnard Harbor Commissioner Jess Herrera and Assemblywoman Julia Brownley, a recent transplant to Oak Park. County Supervisor Steve Bennett had also been on the ticket, but withdrew from the race last month. Also vying for the seat are Assemblyman Tony Strickland, a Republican, and independant County Supervisor Linda Parks.

"From the beginning, this race was not about me; it was about bringing real change to our representation in Ventura County and a voice of reason to Congress," he wrote.

Following is the complete text of the letter. Pollock did not have further comments at this time.

Dear family, friends and supporters,

I am writing to let you know that I have suspended my campaign for Congress.  This was one of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make, and I want to assure you that my campaign team and consultants considered every possible path forward.  Because of the way the candidate field formed, there was a strong possibility of an unfavorable outcome not only for me but the other Democrats in the race.  From the beginning, this race was not about me; it was about bringing real change to our representation in Ventura County and a voice of reason to Congress.

You inspired me to pursue this campaign, and my team did an amazing job of promoting my candidacy with a limited budget.  We have had a significant influence on the public agenda both here in Ventura County and nationally.  Our commercial, Bad News Congress, has received widespread attention including a front-page feature on Politico and a national appearance on MSNBC.  We have brought focus on the need for economic and social justice, the development of green technologies and the toxic mix of greed and compassion in our healthcare system.  We made everyone aware of the alarming disinvestment in public education and the shame of raising the first generation of American children likely to have a lower standard of living then their parents.

We have made a difference.

This campaign has been a wild ride for all of us, and I know my withdrawal will be a very bitter pill for many of you.  But this should not deter us from continuing to ask the right questions and pressing the right issues.  As you have heard me say many times, we are at a very perilous cross-road in our history and it is important that we remain united in our effort to pull back from the brink.  We must work for a brighter future for our children, and I only ask for your continued backing and support.  Together we can change the world.

Thank you from the very bottom of my heart for your massive support and encouragement.  I don't yet know what the next chapter is in this journey, but I do know I am accompanied by an incredible group of people, and for that I am deeply grateful.

With sincere gratitude,

David