29 June 2018 — 1748 mdt
Jennifer Allen withdraws as Democratic candidate for Senate District 5
Jennifer Allen today withdrew as the Democratic candidate for Senate District 5 (map). She was challenging incumbent Republican Bob Keenan. In a statement (below) published on her campaign’s Facebook page, she explained she must devote all of her time to dealing with unexpected health issues affecting her husband.
Allen is one of many women who responded to Donald Trump’s election as President by becoming involved in politics and community affairs. She’s friendly, intelligent, a natural for politics and community activities, and fun to be around. Although she won’t be on the ballot in November, I’m confident we’ll still see her and hear from her on many important issues.
The Flathead County Democratic Central Committee will select a candidate to replace her on the ballot. Secretary of State Corey Stapleton also reported that Democrat Linda Burch withdrew her candidacy for House District 59. Burch, a Big Timber resident, was challenging Republican incumbent Alan Redfield of Livingston.
Statement of Jennifer Allen
It is with great sadness that I announce that I must withdraw my candidacy for Montana Senate District Five in the 2018 election. Unfortunately, out of the blue after eight years of remission, my husband Mark is facing a renewed battle with cancer. I know that many of you understand all too well the amount of practical, financial, and emotional energy it takes to make it through such trials and tribulations. My focus must now be with supporting my lifelong partner of 43 years, not on the need to ramp up a campaign between now and November.
Still, I am also extremely disappointed that I will be less able to participate in many important conversations about issues that are vital to Montanans. I am forcefully reminded of the shortcomings of a medical system that is essentially designed to make profits off of sick people.
I know that until we make reasonable decisions to keep guns out of unsafe hands, we will see headlines about gun violence again and again.
I worry about Montana being the worst in the nation in our rates of suicide.
Last night, I was honored to be in a bi-partisan room of women of all ages, seeking to mentor women into leadership positions. I believe that even though I cannot run for office this year, we will see some of these bright stars in the public realm in the near future. I am grateful that we have wonderful women candidates to choose from this year because we know that when women are in the rooms of democracy we see policies that take care of families and our communities.
I have met many wonderful persons in this process of running for office and I thank everyone who has helped me with knowledge and support. Please keep up the good work for the benefit of our state.