Davenport Alderman Matson suspends Democratic gubernatorial campaign

DAVENPORT - Davenport 7th Ward Alderman Mike Matson said he wanted to give his run for governor a great shot.

He hit the roadways of the state and got his name and message out.

But on Saturday, Matson, 53, suspended his gubernatorial campaign. The primary issue, which could wind up affecting others in the Democratic field of candidates remaining, was money.

'That was a humongous part of it,” Matson said Saturday.

'I went into this with my eyes wide open,” Matson said. 'After watching the last legislative session, I believe I have the leadership skills to take this state back to where it needs to go.

'At the same time, I needed to talk to a lot of people,” he said. 'I visited 25 counties and met lots of wonderful people and received a lot of support.

'But I also talked to financial advisers and talked to a lot of people who have done state stuff and we talked about the money and the staff and all the things that are needed that wasn't going to happen at this time,” Matson said.

There are at least seven other Democratic candidates whom Matson said are excellent candidates.

'People have been talking that the Democratic Party doesn't have a good bench,” he said. 'We've got a hell of a bench and a great group.

'I've been able to sit and talk with these folks and they're quality people,” Matson said.

Matson, who retired as a sergeant major after 20 years in the Army, teaches Junior ROTC at Davenport Central High School.

He said his campaign was a step forward and has given him much needed experience for possible future campaigns.

'I wanted to give it a great shot and I did that,” he said. 'I'm sure I've added some good things to the conversation.”

In the meantime, Matson said, 'I'm still involved here.”

Matson posted this message to his gubernatorial Facebook page on Saturday:

'It has been my privilege driving around our great state listening to Iowans concerns. I know that with Democratic leadership in Des Moines, we can turn this state back into the Iowa we know: A state that values education, opportunity and hardworking Iowa families. What has become apparent in my travels is that my grass roots campaign will not raise the millions necessary to run a highly competitive race, therefore, I am suspending my campaign for Governor. I wish the best of luck to the terrific candidates still in the race. We must elect one of these fine individuals our next Governor.”