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DFL candidate Dr. Mary Lawrence Tuesday dropped out of the race for Congress in Minnesota’s 2nd District.

Lawrence said in a statement that it was clear she would not be able to win the DFL endorsement. She said she thinks she could win a primary, but fears it would divide and harm the party.

“That is something that I cannot do in good conscience,” Lawrence said. “I am a Democrat, and I am a physician. I have sworn the Hippocratic Oath: ‘First, do no harm.’ To this end, I have decided to end my campaign.”

Lawrence’s two DFL rivals Angie Craig and Roger Kittelson pledged to abide by the party endorsement, while she had not.

In a statement Craig thanked Lawrence and called for the DFL to unite.

“I will continue to work to earn the support of the DFL party and traditional allies. We need a strong and united party coming out of the DFL endorsing convention to win in November. And you can bet that the GOP candidate on the ballot in November will be well-funded by those that want to see another member of Congress turn their backs on Minnesotans in favor of big business and special interests," she said.

Lawrence is an ophthalmologist who lives near Prior Lake and had lent her campaign more than $1 million. She entered the race as a first-time candidate before incumbent Republican U.S. Rep.  John Kline said he would not seek re-election.

In announcing her withdrawal, Lawrence said she remains committed to electing a Democrat in the Second District.

There are five Republicans running for the open CD2 seat.

Politics and Government News

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Tim Pugmire

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DFL candidate Mary Lawrence has dropped out of the race for congress in Minnesota’s 2nd District.

DFLer Lawrence ends CD2 bid

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