Jackson drops out of lieutenant governor campaign, plans to work for McCain

Jack Jackson whose plans to run for lieutenant governor were derailed by the man who talked him into it in the first place, has dropped out of the race and will spend his time working for Arizona Sen. John McCain's presidential campaign, according to a news release.
Jackson entered the race after Matt Blunt announced he would not seek a second term as governor and Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder was the first to announce his candidacy for that post.
When supporters of Ninth District Congressman Kenny Hulshof pressured Kinder, he folded, ended his gubernatorial bid and announced he would seek re-election as lieutenant governor, leaving Jackson high and dry:

Former Missouri State Representative and retired United States Marine Corps Colonel Jack Jackson announced today he has suspended his campaign to seek the office of Missouri Lieutenant Governor. Said Jackson, “I make this decision after careful consideration and with sincere thanks to all the thousands of supporters, veterans, friends and family members who have stood with me. While I am honored and humbled by their continued encouragement, I feel this is the right thing to do.” Jackson continued, “While I have a strong commitment to serve my fellow veterans and seniors at the state level, I feel my efforts will be better spent by helping elect John McCain as President of the United States.”

While Jack Jackson is bowing out of this campaign he is joining Senator John McCain’s Presidential campaign in Missouri. “My plan is to devote all my effort to helping a fellow Vietnam Veteran and great American become the next President of the United States. John McCain is the most qualified to step in on day one as our Commander in Chief during this pivotal time in the global war on terror.” Jackson is no stranger to presidential elections he previously served at Chairman of Missouri Veterans for President Bush in 2004.

Colonel Jack Jackson is a highly decorated combat veteran. He flew more than 600 missions in Vietnam. He is the recipient of four Distinguished Flying Crosses, 33 Air Medals, The Navy Commendation Medal for Heroism and Valor, a host of campaign medals and, most recently, the Legion of Merit for Service to His Country. Jackson continued to play an important role in the defense of our nation as the Chief Test Pilot for the McDonnell Douglas/ Boeing Company, where he tested virtually every aircraft produced for the US Military. He amassed more than 10,000 hours in combat aircraft and is considered the world’s most experienced pilot of the Harrier Fighter Jet.

Jack was elected to the Missouri House of Representatives in 2002. His peers elected him as President of the freshman legislative class of 2002. He was Chairman of the Joint Committee on Terrorism, Bio-terrorism and Homeland Security and Chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee.