The Republican businessman threw in the towel Friday, the last day to withdraw.
Republican businessman Ed Roy of Lafayette, who took off the gloves in the District 2 Public Service Commission race against fellow Republican opponent Scott Angelle three weeks ago, dropped out of the race Friday, the last day to withdraw.
Roy says he was unable the raise the kind of money necessary to mount a campaign. The first to get in the race, Roy was vying for the seat of Commissioner Jimmy Field, who is not seeking re-election. The primary is Nov. 6; if needed, a runoff election would be Dec. 8.
Citing inadequate funding, Ed Roy has dropped out of the District 2 PSC race.
"It is with sincere regret that I withdraw from the race for the Public Service Commission, District 2," Roy said in announcement. "Despite my strong belief that I would serve the people of Louisiana well on the Commission, the campaign has been unable to raise the funds necessary to be competitive in the race. I am deeply grateful to Paul Hilliard and the more than 160 individuals and businesses who contributed to the campaign."
The PSC has served as a launch pad for three commissioners who later became governor of Louisiana - most recently Kathleen Blanco, preceded by John McKeithen and the almighty Huey Long.
The PSC's District 2 is a far-flung unit covering East/West Feliciana, Lafayette, Lafourche, Pointe Coupee, St. Martin, St. Mary and Terrebonne parishes along with parts of parishes in and surrounding Baton Rouge.
Roy is a Lafayette private investigator and former TV meteorologist who also served as a sheriff's investigator. He had been critical of Angelle's handling of the Assumption Parish sinkhole while head of the state Department of Natural Resources. Angelle resigned as DNR secretary in the midst of the disaster and announced his intention to run for PSC.
Also in the race are state Rep. Erich Ponti, who represents parts of Baton Rouge; Greg Gaubert, no party; Republican Sarah Holliday and Democrat Forest Wright.