Dem withdraws from Chesco State House race

The Democratic candidate for a Chester County State House seat withdrew from the race this morning.

Mark Stevens, who was seeking to succeed state Rep. Barbara McIlvaine Smith in the 156th District, announced in a news release that he is ending his candidacy because of a severe back injury.

Replacing him will be McIlvaine Smith, 60.

She had surprised many in November when she announced she would not seek reelection to a third term after prevailing twice in hard-fought contests.

Explaining her decision not to run at that time, she said on her campaign website that she was "disheartened by the fraternal culture in Harrisburg that refuses to change, plus the general cynicism and combat of politics today."

McIlvaine Smith won reelection in 2008 with 53.2 percent of votes cast in a closely split district, two years after winning the seat in a recount that gave Democrats control of the House.

In Stevens' news release, McIlvaine Smith said she reconsidered her decision after hearing of Stevens' health issues.

Stevens, who entered the race in March, said the decision to end his candidacy was a difficult one, but for the past few weeks a ruptured disk in his back has left him barely able to walk, and he may need major surgery as early as August, the release said.

"I am as committed as ever to seeking public office and serving the people of Chester County, but my back injury has made it impossible for me to do all that is required to win this race," Stevens wrote. "I couldn't be happier to see Barb re-enter this race, and she has my full support."

In the release, McIlvaine Smith applauded Stevens for his hard work on the campaign so far, saying she is confident he would have carried on her record of reform.

"I'm seeking the Democratic nomination to re-enter this race because I am prepared to continue fighting to improve Harrisburg," she wrote.

The release said McIlvaine Smith intends to seek the official nomination of the Chester County Democratic Committee and the Pennsylvania Democratic Party in the coming days.

Pennsylvania House Democratic Campaign Chairman Mike Gerber responded to McIlvaine Smith's reentry into the race in a news release.

"Her constituents know she is fiercely independent and fights hard for what she believes in," Gerber wrote. "She is exactly the kind of person we need in Harrisburg."