Olson separates from his wife and scales back his gubernatorial campaign

You sort of know when the email subject line says "Statement from Rep. Tyler Olson" that it's probably not a typical campaign blast. And it wasn't:

I think the public acknowledgment is smart, and necessary. If you go to Olson's campaign website, one of the first things you see is a photo of his young, attractive family. They were front and center when the Cedar Rapids Democrat announced his candidacy. His wife, who met Olson while they worked on Sen. Rob Hogg's campaign, introduced him as he jumped into the race. So this wasn't something that could be kept confidential.

Beyond that, it's a little soon to fully assess the political implications. He's scaling back through the holidays, but remains "deeply committed." In the meantime, he'll see how his supporters and other folks react.

It's not the kind of news a candidate, or anyone, for that matter. wants to make. Voters are adults and understand that these things happen. But when you're already facing a spirited primary fight, for the right to make an uphill climb against a heavily favored five-term incumbent, any setback matters.

UPDATE -- Quad-City Times political writer Ed Tibbetts has reax on Twitter from Democratic hopeful Sen. Jack Hatch, D-Des Moines.

Sen. Jack Hatch says of Olson divorce news that it's a private matter, he wishes the family the best and adds he'll have no further comment.December 2, 2013

Sen. Jack Hatch says of Olson divorce news that it's a private matter, he wishes the family the best and adds he'll have no further comment.

— Ed Tibbetts (@EdTibbetts)