Jeff Cloud leaves congressional contest, will stay at Commission

CapitolBeatOK Staff Report

Published:10-Feb-2010

Republican Jeff Cloud on Wednesday, February 10, stopped his candidacy for U.S. Congress, citing health concerns and continuing responsibilities with both his job as Corporation Commissioner and his family.

In statement sent Wednesday evening to CapitolBeatOK, Commissioner Cloud said, “Soon I will have surgery to take care of a non-life threatening health concern. While I expect a full recovery, I do not think it would be fair to my family and friends, to the important work at the Corporation Commission or to my campaign supporters for me to continue this race.  With all of that on my plate, I strongly believe that it would be best not to seek the congressional seat.

“After recent air travel, it became very apparent that frequent flights to Washington, D.C., would be very difficult because of my condition,” Cloud stated.
 
Cloud said he will have surgery, perhaps multiple ones, and begin therapy to remove severe sinus polyps that have not responded to more traditional treatment.
 
Commissioner Cloud detailed his perspective on public policy, and the esteem he has for the work of the Corporation Commission, in an interview with CapitolBeatOK last year (December 21, 2009).