Anne Wolfe to withdraw from 5th District Race

D. Anne Wolfe announced today that she will not seek the Democratic nomination for Congress in New Jersey's Fifth Congressional District in 2006.

Wolfe, the 2004 nominee, has been the only formally declared Democratic candidate for the seat since April 2005. In 2004, Wolfe earned a record 120,000 votes – more than presidential candidate John Kerry. Since declaring her candidacy for the 2006 election, Wolfe has raised more than $80,000. All funds have been legally declared to the Federal Election Commission.

Though Wolfe has been praised by influential groups like the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and EMILY's List, those groups have declined to target New Jersey's Fifth Congressional District for the 2006 campaign cycle.

"The viability of this race, as determined by the DCCC and other Democratic Party organizations in Washington, is crucial for the funding of our campaign. At a minimum price tag of $1.5 million dollars, I simply cannot afford to run a campaign without the endorsement of the DCCC and the funding that would come with their endorsement," Wolfe said.

In addition to concerns about financial and political viability Wolfe said her attention has turned to two crucial issues in the community: The increasing environmental and health dangers posed by the Superfund site in Ringwood and the tremendous challenge facing families caring for adult children who are mentally challenged.

"These are urgent concerns for our community and deserve immediate attention," said Wolfe, adding that she will keep Gov. Jon Corzine informed on both issues.

Wolfe, a longtime leader and active member of the League of Women Voters, a long standing advocate for Good Government policy challenged her supporters to continue to work for good government, and honest and ethical political leadership.

A resident of Mahwah Township, D. Anne Wolfe is a former chairwoman of the Bergen County Improvement Authority and a former enforcement officer for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.