Christian Fong suspends campaign for governor

Christian Fong, Republican gubernatorial candidate has announced that he will suspend his campaign for governor.

He said the financial challenges were just too daunting to continue.

“It just became clear the requirements of the current fundraising season were just too high for me to get over,” he said in an interview.

Fong, a 32-year-old Cedar Rapids businessman, is one of several seeking the nomination to run against Gov. Chet Culver.

Fong emphasized his personal biography as the son of an immigrant who had taken a lead role in helping his city recover from the disastrous 2008 floods. But he was making his first run for statewide office against others with greater name recognition, particularly former Gov. Terry Branstad.

Branstad has not formally announced he's running for governor, but he is widely expected to do so.

Fong said today he intends to continue being active in the 2010 campaign season, as well as those in the future.

He said he has no plans to endorse anybody in the current primary, but he didn't rule it out, either.

“I want to make a graceful exit, a graceful suspension and see what conversations come of it,” Fong said. “There are a lot of cycles left in me.”

Fong thanked his supporters and those who contributed to his campaign financially.

More from his released statement

“Today, I announce the suspension of my campaign.  From this time forward, we will not be actively campaigning for the Republican nomination for Governor.   While today marks a change of direction for our campaign and for myself personally, today is not an end to my passion to see the Iowa Dream restored,” said Fong.

“Over the coming months, I intend to be actively involved in the process even if it's not as a formal candidate for Governor.   Iowa is faced with historic challenges and opportunities.  The decision voters make in 2010 will greatly shape the future of our state.   I personally want to ensure we continue to have a lively discussion about reforming our income tax code, reversing population and job losses in Iowa and addressing the “Brain Drain.”   Electing a Republican nominee who is committed to addressing these issues with substantive plans will lead to success, both next November against Governor Culver, and through the next four years.

“To my supporters and those that have generously supported my campaign financially, I give my sincere thanks.  Your support and passion for our state deepened my conviction that this campaign reflected not only our core Iowa values, but our bright future as well.   Our vision was clear, but the financial hurdles too great.  Yet it is the responsibility of each generation to build on the blessings of liberty in Iowa, and so I will continue to stand with you for the future of our great state,” concluded Fong.

- Ed Tibbits of the Quad-City Time and Rod Boshart from The Gazette contributed to this story.