IRONTON — Bob Walton, Jr., thought by many to be the leading Democratic candidate to replace Todd Book as state representative from the 89th District, has abruptly ended his campaign for the seat.

In a letter sent Oct. 7 to the Democratic committees of Lawrence, Scioto and Adams counties, Walton said his decision to withdraw from the 2010 race was done after considering the enormity a run would have on his family.

“It has become clear to me and my young family that now is not the right time for me to run for the right to serve as your next state representative,” Walton said in his letter. He did not give a specific reason in his letter for the decision.

The Wheelersburg resident and current Porter Township trustee announced his candidacy in April and said he would run on issues of job growth, education, health care and corrections reform.

Even though the Democratic primary was nine months away, Walton had considerable advertising placed throughout the 89th district.

“It has been an enlightening and humbling experience speaking with many families about the issues that need to be addressed in the upcoming election,” Walton said. He is the son of Bob Walton, Sr. who currently serves as the executive director of the Scioto County Community Action Organization.

The 89th encompasses all of Scioto County, the western half of Lawrence County and the eastern half of Adams County.

It is currently represented by four-term Rep. Todd Book (D-McDermott) who is unable to run again due to term limits.

Earlier this summer, Book entered his name as a candidate for the 2nd Congressional District of the U.S. House of Representatives.

On the Republican side, current Scioto County Coroner Dr. Terry Johnson has already declared his candidacy. Johnson is also a Colonel in the Ohio Army National Guard.