The harsh reality of political fundraising in a recession — and in a race crowded with candidates all going after many of the same donors — has forced Republican state Sen. Mike Jungbauer out of the governor's race.

Says MPR:

Jungbauer says his supporters are struggling in a tough economy and haven't been able to support him financially to stay in the race. He also lagged the front runners in a straw poll at the Republican state convention last month.

The Minnesota Independent notes that Jungbauer had entered the race in response to a call from God:

“When I entered the governor’s race in July, I believed that God had opened the door to a new opportunity and that I needed to respond,” Jungbauer said in a statement announcing the decision. “I believe I did that to the best of my ability, but it was my human pride that made that job winning the race. As is so often the case, God’s plans aren’t our plans and I now realize that the job that needed doing was to learn a lot, listen even more, encourage and even teach a bit.”

Jungbauer, of East Bethel, will seek re-election to his Senate seat. Seven other Republicans and about a dozen Democrats remain in the hunt for the governor's seat.