Dem bows out of Dist. 98 race

SUMMERVILLE — The Democratic challenger to Republican state Rep. Annette Young has dropped out of the race.

Jeff Young of Summerville, a Mount Pleasant fireman, quit Monday. He cited a conflict of interest because he joined a political organization.

"I am accepting a position with a national public interest group," he said in an affidavit he filed with party and election officials Monday. "As a result, I cannot run for office. It is a conflict of interest and not allowed by my future employer."

When reached by telephone Tuesday, he declined to say which interest group he joined. He said he plans to continue working as a fireman.

Jeff Young had taken some flak from Democrats because he made it known he would vote for John McCain, the Republican presidential nominee.

The party's executive committee encouraged all Democrats to back Democratic candidates, which would include Sen. Barack Obama for president, Dorchester County Democratic Party Chairman Steve Yeomans said. Young said he could not go along with that position.

"I'm a fireman, and I understand chain of command issues, but when it comes to the welfare of the nation. ..." he said.

Young said the disagreement over the presidential election was not why he quit the race for the House District 98 seat.

It's doubtful the party will field another candidate, Yeomans said. In fact, it's likely that state law would not allow another candidate, he said.

A party can enter another candidate only if the first quits because of a serious health problem, a family crisis or a substantial business conflict, State Election Commission Public Information Officer Chris Whitmire said. The process is spelled out under state law.

Annette Young, who is not related to Jeff Young, thanked those who voted for her in the primary, congratulated Jeff Young for being a candidate, and said his withdrawal would give her more time to focus on meeting the needs of her constituents rather than campaigning.

Reach Dave Munday at 745-5862 or dmunday@postandcourier.com.