WPCNR BACKROOM BULLETIN. By John F. Bailey. June 22, 2005: Ron Jackson announced exclusively to WPCNR this evening he is withdrawing from the Democratic race for Mayor, leaving Dennis Power, the official nominee of the party a clear path, without having to contend with a Ron Jackson primary attempt.

Mr. Jackson who suffered chest pains Monday, was briefly hospitalized for tests, and was home resting Monday evening, videotaped his Winbrook Like It Is television show this morning, interviewing Bill Ryan and Lois Bronz on the show. This evening WPCNR checked in on "The Last Activist" and Mr. Jackson told me has decided to withdraw his anticipated primary challenge to Mr. Power.

Jackson said he is awaiting tests back from his doctor for a clear cut diagnosis of what happened to him Monday morning, and said "health reasons and financial reasons," have forced him to halt his run. Jackson, as early as last weekend was gearing up for a primary campaign. He said he had an interested backer who was willing to put up $12,000 towards his run. Sounding tired, Mr. Jackson said the campaign Mr. Power runs had to focus on issues, and that he would continue to participate in the campaign, but at this point said he did not endorse Power's candidacy. He said the campaign had to be about all the working people, and all the city issues the community faces.

Mr. Power today announced a fundraiser at Sam's of Gedney Way, at $50 a person, on June 28,  as the official kickoff of his campaign. Power announced he was running June 10. Since then he has not made any public statements, held any press conferences, or made any position statements. His campaign has consisted so far of making rounds of certain Democrat figures for support, accompanied by Mary Ann Keenan, former councilperson.