Tom Knox end 2015 mayoral run

UPDATED:

Tom Knox announced this afternoon that he is ending his bid for mayor, 10 days after he sent an email asking friends to join him in announcing his candadicy.

Here is the statement he put out:

"After much soul-searching and many difficult conversations with my wife, children and trusted advisers, I am today announcing the end of my planned 2015 mayoral campaign.  I did not reach this decision easily.  I love Philadelphia. Leading this great city as mayor has been a lifelong ambition, but it's simply not to be.  The significant toll a mayoral campaign would take on my family life was the motivating factor behind my decision.  I put my family through one arduous mayoral campaign, I can't put them through another.  I sincerely thank the many citizens who already offered me their heartfelt support and contributed their hard-earned money to the campaign.  I will be returning all campaign contributions immediately and reaching out to each donor personally.  I will continue to be involved in shaping the future of Philadelphia in meaningful ways and will have a very keen interest in the selection of our next mayor.  To all those who have worked with me, stood by me and believed in my candidacy, I offer my sincerest gratitude."

Here is our earlier post:

Though Philadelphia's 2015 mayoral primary is a year and a half away, millionaire businessman Tom Knox, who has often spoken of running, is making his candidacy official.

Knox, who made his millions in insurance and other businesses, came in second place in the 2007 five-candidate Democratic primary for mayor. He spent more than $10 million of his own money in the 2007 campaign.

The businessman was a deputy mayor under Ed Rendell for 19 months in 1992 and 1993.

In an e-mailed sent to his supports, Knox announced he is announcing his candidacy Wednesday.

Below is what the e-mail said:

Dear Friends,

Life's milestone moments are best when shared with friends. That's why I hope you'll join me on Wednesday, November 20th as I formally launch my campaign for Mayor of Philadelphia in 2015. I would be honored if you would join me for my announcement event at 12:15 pm in Conversation Hall on the second floor of City Hall. I also invite you to join me the evening of November 20th as we celebrate the launch of the campaign and the start of a journey to a better Philadelphia. The details for the evening festivities are attached. Thank you for your friendship and support. I hope to see you November 20th!

Warmly,
Tom Knox

According to the Daily News, Council President Darrell Clarke and state Sen. Anthony Williams held dueling fundraisers Wednesday night, both hinting but not announcing a run to replace Nutter in 2016.

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