Moran drops out of race

Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2005 | 9:30 a.m.

John Moran Jr., one of the front runners in the race for lieutenant governor, announced Monday that he is dropping out of the 2006 race.

Moran, 58, said in a press release that he is ending his candidacy in order to spend more time with his family.

"At this point in my life, I really want to spend more time with my wife and family, not less, and that is exactly what I would be doing by entering politics," Moran said.

In April Moran resigned after eight months on the Nevada Gaming Commission in order to run for state office. His campaign raised more than $1 million, he said, which will be returned to donors.

Moran is a longtime attorney and a former sheriff's deputy. He has served on the Colorado River Commission and Nevada Board of Wildlife and is the son of late Clark County Sheriff J.T. "John" Moran Sr.

Moran was the most prominent Democrat in the race for lieutenant governor. He said it was important he ended his campaign early to allow another Democrat ample time to enter the field.

"I know there are other qualified candidates out there who can step in and be very competitive," Moran said.

State Treasurer Brian Krolicki, a Republican, is planning a run for the office.