By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – Because of his wife's health, Missouri Lieutenant Governor Joe Maxwell said Tuesday morning he won't seek re-election next year.
The announcement by the Mexico Democrat came as a surprise to his party officials and other politicians. Until recently, Maxwell had been raising money for a planned re-election campaign.
Maxwell said in a morning news conference that his 38-year-old wife, Sarah, has been dealing since January with an increasingly painful nerve or bone condition, which so far has defied a medical diagnosis. And he said that caring for his wife and two daughters, ages 12 and seven, must come ahead of campaigning.
"We've always been open about our goal as a family to seek higher office and run for governor. Today we are not making a decision to kill that dream off, rather we are making a decision that at this time we do not have the energy to stand for reelection, run for Lt. Gov. and care for the family that I love," Maxwell said.
Maxwell plans to serve out his term, which ends in January 2005.