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State Sen. Averitt of Waco ends re-election campaign, citing health reasons

State Sen. Kip Averitt, R-Waco, said Wednesday later ended his campaign for reelection, citing health problems.

The decision comes a week and a half after the end of period filing to run for elective office of the state as a Democrat or Republican and insurance leaves Darren Yancy official Burleson as the only candidate left in the campaign in the GOP primary.

No Democrats have filed to compete for the job Averitt covers McLennan, Coryell, Falls, Forest, Hill, Navarro, Somervell, Hood, Johnson and Ellis counties.

Averitt, 55, accountant, represented Waco since 1992, when he was elected to the State House. He issued a statement to the Tribune-Herald, however, in recent years, struggled to balance the health and interests of his family with his role as public servant.

"I've been told I have now put my health in the first place – for me and my family – and it is with great regret that I announce today the arrest of my campaign the Senate, "the statement said.

"Although I do not want another term, serve my friends and neighbors has been my greatest honor and most the great privilege and I am proud of what we have accomplished together. "

Averitt based employees has refused to answer questions Wednesday night and statement did not specify whether the senator has been advised to stop campaigning, specific health problems, is reached or if he intends to do the remainder of his term.

Averitt has been popular throughout the year, winning each of the 14 elections circulating since 1992 and never less than 57 percent of votes.

Averitt has been active in the campus Republican groups, while Baylor where he also coached the school have a pet.

It became a friend of former state Sen. David Sibley Sibley before winning election to the Senate. Averitt became his chief of staff in Austin.

In 1992 when one seat became vacant Averitt Government House won, taking almost 60 percent of the vote.

Sibley seat would be needed in 2002, quickly became an influential in this room.

In 2005, Averitt pushed to restore funding and loosen the eligibility rules for the program at Texas Children's Health Insurance, who had dropped the previous legislative period. It has also been involved in developing the budget.

And as president of the influential Natural Resources Committee, has been a strong voice for the creation of conservation districts in groundwater local planning and long term water state.

On December 10, Averitt and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst attended a meeting Tribune-Herald editorial board together. Dewhurst, who presides over the Senate, said at the time that the name was on Averitt mixing at the head of the powerful Senate Finance Committee in the next legislative session. On December 23, Averitt presented for reelection.

Averitt has sometimes been criticized by Republican opponents for being too moderate. More recently, Yancy said he would try and run right when Yancy announced in October Averitt Averitt contest.

"Kip definition of conservatism and my definition of conservatism is probably miles away, "said Yancy.

But the chairmen of the Republican and Democratic parties McLennan County had kind words for both Averitt.

"Things are as he gave a laundry list of Central Texas and Waco," GOP chairman Joe Hinton said.

"It's probably done the most intelligent, but I really like to see it go," said Hinton.

Democrat President John Cullen said: "A Despite the fact that we are different parties, I respected his leadership and representation and to evaluate their service in the Senate and House before that date. "

If anyone could still be seen as an independent candidate in the race or run in writing to the campaign, said Yancy Cullar has a clear advantage, as it will be able to get on the ballot of his party's nominee.

"The biggest regret I have is that we will have a senator from McLennan County to a Johnson County man," Cullen said.

Libertarian Group members to determine their March 13 of the Convention if Tim Ballard, Ben Faulkner, Cleburne, red oak will be the party's candidate for the seat.

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