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Jon Baliles ends mayoral bid, begs public to help defeat Joe Morrissey

Posted at 4:59 PM, Nov 02, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-02 17:41:08-04

RICHMOND, Va. — The Richmond mayoral race has trimmed down to just six contestants in the final week before election day, with the latest announcement from candidate Jon Baliles.

The 1st District Councilman announced through a long Facebook post that he would exit the race, explained why and also called on the public not to let Joe Morrissey win the mayoral race.  He did not endorse any candidates, but he did say other good choices remained on the ballot.

Baliles did point out that “two major alternatives to Joe Morrissey” could still split the opposition vote enough for Morrissey to win.

“The only realistic way our city can ensure that we are moving forward on the morning of November 9 is for other candidates to withdraw and consolidate,” Baliles wrote.  “Not doing so could result in the outcome so many people fear.”

He also called on his supporters not to write in his name on Nov. 8.  because “the stakes are too high.”

“It is understood that my supporters may still want to vote my name on the ballot next week to send a message about the type of mayor, and the type of accountability, in city hall they demand. I completely understand and respect that,” he said. “But with humility and appreciation for your trust, I ask that you not cast a protest vote – because the stakes are too high and our city’s future is too valuable.”

Baliles consistently remained in the top four of the crowded mayoral race, in terms of polling and fundraising.

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