Ed Jany Drops Out of CD 13 Race Against David Jolly

Marine and former cop Democrat Eduardo "Ed" Jany, the "no party affiliation" candidate running against U.S. Rep. David Jolly, R-Fla., is dropping out of the congressional race.

According to a tweet from Adam Smith of the Tampa Bay Times, Jany dropped out of the race because of a "work conflict."

The statement from Jany read:

"It is with deep regret that I announce my withdrawal from the race for U.S. representative in the 13th District. In my professional capacity, I am responsible for coordinating some of the command and control for security at the World Cup in Brazil this year, something I committed to doing some time ago. I wrongly assumed that I could maintain my professional work requirements while running for office, just as I was able to work full-time as a police officer while pursuing a full-time education and balancing my military service in the past. Unfortunately, the political process does not allow for me to continue my professional work, and I cannot afford to support my family while campaigning without an income. This has been a very tough decision that Ive considered thoughtfully over the course of the last week, but its the best choice for my family right now."

Last week, the Times found holes in Jany's resume, raising questions over the legitimacy of the education he'd listed on his resume.

Jany had received the backing of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee as well as former Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, who ran against Jolly but lost in March.

An American hero, Col. Janys service, independence and proven ability to bring people together to get results is exactly whats missing from the broken politics of Washington, said DCCCchair Steve Israel. Democrats are proud to support Col. Jany and confident he will run an aggressive, successful campaign.

"I look forward to supporting Col. Jany's campaign and I urge every Pinellas resident who is fed up with the gridlock in Washington to join me in supporting the colonel, so we can send a Marine to clean up Congress," said Sink in an email to supporters.