Dr. Ami Bera is now the last formidable candidate standing for the Democratic nomination in CA-03.  Today, Bill Slaton, a director of the Sacramento Municipal Utilities District, dropped out of the race, despite his impressive numbers in the last quarter’s fundraising data.

The more I have spoken to people about what I can contribute to public policy and the more I have listened to their concerns, the clearer it has become that my best opportunity for service lies right here at home. Working to develop the new energy economy and the green jobs we need is the challenge I truly want to tackle. Consequently, I am ending my campaign for Congress and will turn my full attention to the tremendous opportunities facing SMUD and the alternative energy start-ups locating here.  

The window of opportunity for establishing our region as one of the nation’s hubs for this emerging industry will not stay open long. We have to seize the momentum now.

This morning I shared my decision to withdraw from the Congressional race with Dr. Ami Bera and offered him my support. I wish him well and look forward to working with him on these issues when he is our next Representative in Congress.  

Bera, a doctor and former Chief Medical Officer for Sacramento County, now looks set to take on Dan Lungren. Lungren barely managed to squeak past an underfunded Bill Durston in 2008, and the district went for Obama.  Bera, with his cash-on-hand totals now topping Lungren’s totals could make this one of the more interesting races in the country.

UPDATE: I just got Dr. Bera’s statement.

Bill Slaton has been a champion for renewable energy development and a strong leader in the community. I am honored to have his support as we work toward our shared goal-pushing aside partisanship and working to create jobs and opportunity for Californians. Bill’s support will be critical as we continue to build momentum for the change we need in Congress.

Full email from Bill Slaton and press release from Ami Bera over the flip.

Dear Friends,

The Thanksgiving holiday provided a much-needed break from the go-go-go of our Congressional campaign. It also gave me time to revisit a question I’d asked myself 6 months ago: where and how can I do the most good for our community. Then, the answer was “Congress.” Now, the answer is different.  

The more I have spoken to people about what I can contribute to public policy and the more I have listened to their concerns, the clearer it has become that my best opportunity for service lies right here at home. Working to develop the new energy economy and the green jobs we need is the challenge I truly want to tackle. Consequently, I am ending my campaign for Congress and will turn my full attention to the tremendous opportunities facing SMUD and the alternative energy start-ups locating here.  

The window of opportunity for establishing our region as one of the nation’s hubs for this emerging industry will not stay open long. We have to seize the momentum now.

This morning I shared my decision to withdraw from the Congressional race with Dr. Ami Bera and offered him my support. I wish him well and look forward to working with him on these issues when he is our next Representative in Congress.  

Thank you to everyone who contributed time, talent and money so that I could mount a campaign for Congress. It was an honor to have your confidence and support. Over the next week, I will make every effort to thank you personally. I remain optimistic about the extraordinary things good people working together can accomplish for our community.

Gratefully,

Bill Slaton

Dr. Bera’s statement:

DR. AMI BERA WELCOMES SUPPORT FROM BILL SLATON, THANKS SLATON FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE

Slaton Withdrawals from Democratic Primary, Endorses Bera for Congress

ELK GROVE, CA – Congressional candidate Ami Bera today released the following statement regarding Bill Slaton’s withdrawal from the Democratic primary to represent California’s 3rd Congressional District:

“Bill Slaton has been a champion for renewable energy development and a strong leader in the community. I am honored to have his support as we work toward our shared goal-pushing aside partisanship and working to create jobs and opportunity for Californians. Bill’s support will be critical as we continue to build momentum for the change we need in Congress.”

Slaton’s withdrawal from the race means that Ami Bera is now the sole Democratic candidate to challenge incumbent Republican Dan Lungren in the 2010 general election. Bera is a physician who has an extensive background in healthcare policy, both in the public and private sector. He is a former Chief Medical Officer for the County of Sacramento who recently served as Associate Dean for Admissions at the UC Davis School of Medicine. Dr. Bera lives in Elk Grove, CA with his wife and daughter.

The 3rd Congressional District includes several communities in Sacramento and Solano County, as well as all of Alpine, Amador, and Calaveras Counties. The primary election is June 8, 2010 and the general election is November 2, 2010.

To learn more about Ami Bera, visit www.beraforcongress.com

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