[Update] Daniels Withdraws From First Selectman's Race.

Lou Daniels has withdrawn his candidacy for First Selectman.

Daniels said he had a "wonderful" organizational meeting last week with 20 bi-partisan supporters but that same day was asked to take on some new responsibilities at work. 

In addition to traveling some four weeks during campaign season while he helps a commercial bank expand to New England, Daniels said he also has some weekend personal obligations.

He said campaigning would be difficult and felt it wasn’t right to give the race only half his attention.

“I knew that I could not give this run 100 percent of my time and focus,” Daniels said. “I was certainly torn because it was obvious there was a growing network of support from Republicans, Independents and Democrats to my candidacy.  In the end, it’s all about the people and not about the party.”

Daniels said he remains committed to the town and did not close the door on future service.

“My love for Canton and my desire to make it the best it can be will never waver,” he said  “I am sure when the time is right there will be other opportunities to serve my town or state — stay tuned.”

At a party caucus this summer, Daniels had challenged current first selectman and Republican nominee Richard Barlow. By a vote of 105 to 58, he lost the bid to gain the Republican nomination.

Daniels, however, successfully gained the required signatures and filed state paperwork to run as a petitioning Republican.

Still challenging Barlow for the post is former police chief Lowell Humphrey, who is running as an "unaffiliated" candidate. No Democrat is running for the seat.