Westchester Legislator George Oros sent a letter to his supporters over the weekend, letting them know he was dropping out of the race for Congress. In February, Oros, R-Cortlandt, announced his intent to take on Rep. John Hall, D-Dover Plains.

Last week, GOP committee members met and endorsed Kieran Michael Lalor to take on Hall. Oros at the time promised a primary in the race for the 19th C.D. but changed his mind. The letter, Oros said (see it after the break) “says it all.” He declined further comment.

Dear Friend,
Thank you so much for your support and encouragement over the last three months during my Congressional campaign.
Since last week’s convention results so many people – town leaders, county leaders, and good republicans everywhere – have encouraged me to stay in the race for the 19th Congressional District. From the information and data we have gathered, it is most likely that we would win a primary.

However, my goal throughout this process was to defeat John Hall and return this seat to a republican; not to defeat a republican. If this were any other year, a primary might be in order, even healthy for our party – but clearly not in 2008.

Since mid-February when I launched this campaign, three republicans running for the House lost in special elections. One was to fill the seat of former House Speaker Denny Hastert, the other two were in strong republican districts.

Several of these candidates faced primaries and runoffs. Those extra challenges may have drained resources and cost the republicans a chance to hold some seats – I don’t know. But one thing I do know is I do not want to do anything that would hurt the chances of our party to take back a seat. Therefore, I have decided to suspend my Congressional campaign.

We need to unite as a party and elect republicans every where we can. That is my pledge for 2008.
Rest assured I am not going away. I remain the minority leader in the Westchester Board of Legislators and will continue my best efforts to protect your tax dollar, fight the corruption that seems to have penetrated the Board and our County government, and elect more republicans. Next year brings another election.
For the time being, my headquarters will stay open and I will work from there a few days a week. Please keep in touch.
Again on behalf of Marianne and my children John and Christina, please accept our heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your kindness, generosity and support. It is people like you that make all the long hours and hard work of public service so worthwhile.
Sincerely,
George Oros
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Read more about this in tomorrow’s The Journal New.