State Senator Al Melvin is dropping out of the race for governor, conceding he doesn't have enough $5 donations to qualify for Clean Elections funding.

Melvin said he wanted more time but a deadline to withdraw out of Maricopa County forced his hand early.

It came to light last week that Melvin was having problems gathering the necessary $5 donations to qualify him for public funding.

He needed 4,500 separate contributions, but Melvin declined say how many his campaign had on hand.

The former state senator said in a prepared release that his campaign failed to resonate with voters, hinting a fierce GOP primary could allow a "liberal" to win the party's nomination.

"I am at peace with the decision because in spite of our efforts we were not going to be able to win the race," he wrote. "No one who believes in our shared conservative values wants to see conservatives split the vote and allow a liberal to claim our party’s nomination."

Melvin pledges he will continue to fight for conservative values.

"Our cause is more important than any one person. For that reason it is time to end this particular campaign. But this is not the end of our fight for secure borders, high Arizona education standards instead of Common Core, tax relief, Texas-style Tort Reform, Universal School Vouchers, an energy policy that addresses Arizona’s long-term needs and economic health, and more," he said.

Contact reporter Joe Ferguson at jferguson@azstarnet.com or 573-4346. Follow him on Twitter @JoeFerguson

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