The Republican nominee for Secretary of State in West Virginia wants to quit the race. Charles Minimah wants to quit so that the Republican incumbent, Betty Ireland, can reenter. Ireland decided not to seek reelection because she wanted to care for her elderly parents. Both, unexpectedly, passed away recently.

However, the deadline for withdrawing was last week. Ireland is also holding steadfast in her decision not to run.

Democrat nominee Natalie Tennant was highly critical of Minimah. “Voters want to know you’re in to win it. You shouldn’t be half-committed.”

That has to hurt a campaign. When a candidate trys to quit, it is hard to get the credibility back to ask a voter for support.