Bradley drops out of congressional race

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Bradley's statement e-mailed to the news media offered no reason for his withdrawal, but his campaign manager, B.J. Boling, attributed it to lack of funds to mount a viable campaign.

"We were having difficulty raising the kind of money we needed to carry on," he said. Boling said Bradley won't make an endorsement "at this time."

Bradley declined to be interviewed.

In his statement, the Greenville businessman and former Public Service Commission chairman said he devoted the last eight months to "a campaign versed in service, committed to enhancing the lives of the citizens of the 4th District and dedicated to helping those who have no one else to turn to."

His departure leaves the contest to Bob Inglis, a Greenville lawyer and the district's 1993-99 incumbent; Carole Wells, a state Employment Security Commission member and former Spartanburg legislator; and Greenville retiree Jack Adams.

Inglis, 44, said it was "a significant development when your opponent with the highest name identification and most awareness in the district decides to drop out."

Adams, 67, said Bradley's departure was a "shock."

Wells said Bradley "was running a good race and is a great gentleman. Phil's a good man and I know he wants to do what's best for himself right now."

Wells, 60, said, "There are two things you need in a campaign — money and volunteers. You can do with just one or the other, but you have to have it big on whichever it is."

Bradley has lagged well behind Inglis in fund-raising. Bradley's 2003 year-end report showed donations of $33,400 and cash on hand of $10,805.

Inglis, a Greenville lawyer, reported raising $280,752 with $241,953 in the bank. Wells, a member of the state Employment Security Commission, listed $16,157 in contributions and $6,978 in cash.

FEC reports for 2004's first quarter are due in Washington on Wednesday.

Bradley opposed the current congressman, Greenville's Jim DeMint in the 2002 primary. He received 38 percent of the 63,565 votes cast.

DeMint is now running for the U.S. Senate.

Two Democrats also face a June 8 primary, Andrew Wittman, 36, of Greer and Brandon Brown, 28, of Taylors.

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Dan Hoover covers politics and can be reached at 298-4883.