VALDOSTA, GA – Another candidate in this years election season has decided to drop out of the race.

Donald Thieme has decided to withdraw from running for the Democratic Party nominee for the Lowndes County Commission, District 3 seat. The following letter was sent to Valdosta Today to announce his withdrawl.

I am withdrawing from the election for Lowndes County Commission, District 3 Commissioner. This will mean that Tom Hochschild, my colleague at Valdosta State University, will be running unopposed in the primary and will be the Democratic Party nominee .

I have strong opinions about many of the issues which face Lowndes County and a new vision of the future for the county. I am convinced, however, that Tom shares that vision and will articulate it well. While I was excited about my own candidacy, this is a very busy time in my personal and professional life and I am not prepared to sacrifice the time required to serve the county fully.

I fully expect that Tom Hochschild will win the coming election and reinvigorate the county commission. Lowndes County will need their hard work in coming years in order to preserve the blessings of our natural environment here, provide more opportunities for our youth and protect us in our homes.

Sincerely,

Don Thieme