Funderburk drops campaign to unseat Ehlmann as St. Charles County executive

ST. CHARLES COUNTY Citing pressing family concerns, state Rep. Doug Funderburk said Tuesday he has dropped his effort to unseat County Executive Steve Ehlmann in the upcoming Republican primary.

Funderburk said he hasnt campaigned, conducted major fundraising or sought political endorsements because of issues related to his 19-year-old sons severe illness.

He also said hes had to deal with the death of his mother in May and the death of a lifelong friend earlier.

There are just some unplanned events in my life that have put me in a position ... that it may be better for myself and my family to take a pass on running now, he said.

Funderburks name will remain on the Aug. 5 primary ballot because its too late under state law to withdraw.

Funderburk, who was barred by term limits from seeking re-election to his House seat, had been poised to offer the first significant challenge to Ehlmann as executive.

Funderburk, a union electrician for Boeing Co. who lives near St. Peters, served 10 years on the St. Charles County Council before his eight years in the House.

Ehlmanns previous opponents were political newcomers with no organized support.

The winner of the Republican primary will face Democrat Rod Zerr in the November general election. Ehlmann, a former state legislator and judge from St. Charles, is running for a third four-year term as executive.

Zerr, a former director of emergency management for the county, is unopposed for his partys nomination.

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Funderburk drops campaign to unseat Ehlmann as St. Charles County executive