With O'Leary out, it's a two person race in 9th

Earlier today former state senator Robert O'Leary announced that he is out of the running for the seat in the newly formed 9th Congressional District.

“I would love to represent the Cape and Islands so it was painful to make this decision,” O'Leary said. “It's about the amount of money you need to run for Congress. It's out of control.”

O'Leary's absence helps Congressman Bill Keating's bid for the seat because it eliminates the possibility of a real three way race with Bristol County District Attorney Sam Sutter. A race between the three would have been an intense one as they all have a strong presence in the newly drawn district.

Former congressman Bill Delahunt is not a Keating fan and still casts a large shadow over the district but Peter Ubertaccio makes the case that it is all over for Sutter here:

But with O’Leary out, how does Sutter chart a path to the nomination? Well, he doesn’t. Keating has worked his district hard in an attempt to bring O’Leary voters to his cause and since the lines were redrawn, he’s travelled the length and breadth of the new district. Keating’s lined up all the political powerhouses in the state and in the district and there is no indication that he isn’t liked by voters. He’ll have a fundraising and organizational edge and his votes are in line with his party and his district.

Keating ended 2011 with no debt and $304,571 in his campaign account. He has been racking up endorsements, too.

Data was not available for the other candidates. n