TOM BOSTON WITHDRAWS CANDIDACY

JACKSON - Tom Boston, a Democratic candidate for Cape Girardeau County public administrator, withdrew Monday morning as a candidate.

Boston had filed earlier this year to challenge Republican John Ferguson for the post.

Boston said he "withdrew for health reasons. I felt it was best to withdraw and give someone else a chance to run if they want to," he explained.

The county Democratic Central Committee can select a candidate to replace Boston on the general election ballot; however, a meeting must be called within two weeks for that purpose.

The committee is meeting tonight to reorganize and elect officers, but it is uncertain whether the committee can attempt to fill the ballot spot tonight or whether a special meeting will be necessary.