FLORENCE, S.C. - The Democrat challenging incumbent Marty Coates for the House District 60 seat has dropped out of the race, leaving Coates unopposed in the Nov. 2 election.

Larue Kirby of Scranton withdrew from the race for "family and medical reasons," state Election Commission Executive Director Marci Andino said Friday.

Andino said Kirby did not elaborate or provide any specific details as to his withdrawal.

Andino said the state Election Commission has voted to deny a candidate substitution by the party because Kirby did not submit adequate information about his reasons for dropping out. State law allows parties to substitute if a candidate drops out of a race for legitimately nonpolitical reasons.

"We don't have to know everything about the situation, but we do need to know a little more than Mr. Kirby provided," Andino said.

If Kirby provides additional information, Andino said, the election commission can take a second vote on the matter to allow for a substitution.

Kirby could not be reached for comment about why he decided not to continue in the race.

Kirby ran against Coates in 2002 and lost in a close election.

Earlier this week, Florence County Republican Party Chairman Tommy Phillips said LeRoy Fred, his party's candidate in the House District 59 race, dropped out of that race.

Fred, of Quinby, faced Democratic incumbent Rep. Mack Hines of Florence in the general election.

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Information from: Morning News, http://www.morningnewsonline.com/