Businessman drops out of race for U.S. senate seat

By Julian Walker
The Virginian-Pilot
© December 30, 2011

RICHMOND

Northern Virginia businessman Tim Donner has ended his pursuit of the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate in 2012, announcing in an online video he's withdrawing because he doesn't see a path to victory.

"We've fought the good fight, run the race set before us. And I hope you believe that my voice has made a difference," Donner said in the video posted on his campaign website this week.

While he was "prepared for a steep and narrow climb to the nomination," Donner said that a still-crowded GOP field combined with broad Republican support coalescing behind George Allen makes accomplishing that goal unlikely.

His departure leaves four Republicans in the race for the seat being vacated by U.S. Sen. Jim Webb, a Democrat who isn't seeking re-election.

They are: Allen, a former governor and U.S. senator; Chesapeake faith leader Earl W. Jackson; Virginia Beach attorney David McCormick; and former Tea Party activist Jamie Radtke.

On the Democratic side, three candidates are vying for the nomination, with former Gov. Timothy M. Kaine seen as the most likely to emerge from the field.

The primaries will be held June 12.

Donner, the owner of a TV production company, billed himself as a "small businessman and citizen candidate offering a very different life experience and credentials than the front-runner."

However, polling results and campaign finance records suggest Donner never gained significant traction with a broad swath of the public.

Julian Walker, (804) 697-1564, julian.walker@pilotonline.com

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