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Gary Schiff Drops Out Of Mpls Mayoral Race

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- On Wednesday afternoon the first Minneapolis mayoral candidate called it quits. Minneapolis councilman Gary Schiff has decided to drop out.

On Saturday, the DFL convention failed to nominate a candidate for Minneapolis mayor. Schiff had come in third place on two ballots and saw the writing on the wall.

"I'm not aware of a scenario where somebody comes in third place at a convention and goes on to win an election," Schiff said.

Shortly after the convention his campaign manager, Mark Warren, resigned and he also lost the support of a major endorsement.

During Wednesday's news conference, Schiff said he plans to throw his support behind fellow council member Betsy Hodges.

"Nobody wants to lose a race, but I'll tell you it makes it a lot easier when you have someone as ethical and someone as progressive, and strong as Betsy Hodges to throw my support to," Schiff said.

Schiff also says after 12 years it's time to move on. He says he will not seek a fourth term on the city council for Minneapolis' 9th ward.

"I think the future belongs to the young and I've accomplished a lot in city hall, but there's a new generation of progressive leaders that are coming up across the city," Schiff said.

The DFL mayoral candidates are now Councilwoman Betsy Hodges, former Hennepin County Commissioner Mark Andrew, teacher Jim Thomas, Councilman Don Samuels and former City Council President Jackie Cherryhomes.

The winner of the mayor's race will replace outgoing Mayor R.T. Rybak, who announced last December he will not seek a fourth term.

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