Republican educator Bob Dean withdrew from the 18th District legislative race Monday.

“I am simply acknowledging the political realities at this time and want to ensure that we retain the Republican seat in the 18th District,” he said.

Dean is the second Republican candidate to withdraw from the crowded field. Cowlitz County Planning Commission member Shannon Barnett dropped out last week, citing personal reasons.

The Clark County GOP has signaled that it hopes to winnow the field for the top two primary to avoid splitting the Republican vote too many ways in the Aug. 17 election.

Six candidates — four Republicans, one Democrat and one independent — remain in the contest to fill the seat being vacated by Rep. Jaime Herrera, R-Camas, who is running for Congress.

Dean, an Evergreen High School math teacher and former home builder who has been active in reform of the state’s math examinations, said his full-time teaching job and his duties as coach of the Evergreen High softball team had forced him “to put the campaign on the back burner” this spring.

“Teaching full time, preparing kids to take the High School Proficiency Exam and the AP (advanced placement) calculus exam while coaching and playing games every day after school simply kept me from developing the strong foundation I needed to run an effective campaign,” he said.

He urged his supporters to vote for Ann Rivers, a La Center consultant and GOP activist.

“I have the greatest respect for all of the Republican candidates in this race, but Ann Rivers offers the most life experience and experience in Olympia,” he said in a statement. “As a former teacher, she has the educational background and knowledge to champion the issues that I am highly concerned about. Her character, work ethic, and commitment to conservative values will serve the district well.”

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