Updated: 11/23/2009 4:59:47 PM
Victoria DeFreese, a candidate for the Knox County Commission 2010 9th district Republican primary, confirmed Monday that she is withdrawing from the race.
In a letter she intends to send to supporters, DeFreese said tough economic times are behind the decision.
DeFreese said overtime for post office jobs, where her husband works, had been slashed and fewer people were using the tutoring services she offers.
DeFreese said her children, who have been homeschooled, have been placed in public schools and she is looking for a job.
"We need an extra income at this time; therefore, we cannot afford the reservoir of time and flexibility that a successful and competitive campaign would require," DeFreese wrote. "I regret that I will not be able to run in this race. I thank you for your confidence in me. My family needs me more at this time. Our family needs your understanding."
As of Monday afternoon, only Mike Brown had picked up a petition to run in the 9th district Republican commission primary.
