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State House candidate drops out of race, cites burden on his business

The House race to replace Rep. Steve King, R-Grand Junction, got a little lighter Friday when one of the four candidates dropped out.

Duncan McArthur, who jumped into the race in October, has withdrawn his name, saying he decided he just can’t afford to do the job because of the economy.

McArthur is in the real estate and development business and said he has been hit hard by the poor housing market.

“Serving in the Legislature is a sacrifice, and I find that I will not be able to carry the financial burden that serving in the Legislature brings,” he told supporters. “Instead, I will work to assist conservative candidates with their campaigns while seeking means to improve my financial circumstances.”

McArthur’s departure leaves three candidates vying for the GOP nomination: Ray Scott of Grand Junction, Robert Hislop of Fruita and David Cox of East Orchard Mesa. No Democrat has entered the race.

The seat was left open after King decided to run for the Colorado Senate after state Sen. Josh Penry, R-Grand Junction, decided to run for governor. Penry bowed out of the governor’s race late last year and decided not to seek re-election to the Senate.