Statement regarding candidacy

Friends,

After three months of meeting with, and listening to the people of the Seventh Congressional district of Virginia, I have decided to withdraw my name from consideration for the Democratic nomination for Congress.

From Culpepper to Henrico, to Chesterfield, the Orange County fair, and all points between I found folks who love this country like I do. Literally hundreds of hours were spent diligently stopping and talking and listening to folks about how our government should look. I put my business life on hold and listened full time.

Several factors played into this decision. First and foremost was my dedication to my family. During the past months I have had to be away from my family at hours that they deserved my attention. I will be there for them again.  Secondly, I am a Richmonder. I love our city and want to see it become a premiere center for culture, education, and sports in The Southeast. I will continue to work to bring to the attention of my fellow Richmonders issues that I believe impact our quality of life. The education of our kids, the safety of our people, and of course, the fiscal approach we take to managing our assets, will always be at the forefront of my studies and actions. I made a sincere start to this campaign: energetic, and well reasoned. While I am an idealist, I am also pragmatic enough to realize that this is simply not the right time for my candidacy.

I learned a lot, got to know a lot of great people, and enjoyed the give and take. It has been a great experience. To all of the people who supported me, my heartiest thanks, I will be forever grateful. Our Democratic process works and I thoroughly enjoy it. I intend to stay engaged.

Regards,

Charlie Diradour

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