According to the AP, noted reggae enthusiast and “whacky uncle” Rob Ford is withdrawing from the Toronto mayor’s race:
BREAKING: City official says Toronto Mayor Rob Ford is withdrawing from mayor's race .
— The Associated Press (@AP) September 12, 2014
The controversial mayor had been hospitalized on Wednesday with a previously undetected tumor, and it appears that whatever news he has received was serious enough that he can no longer serve as the city’s mayor. We’ll have more on this story as it develops.
UPDATE: It's official: Rob is out. But if you think that's going to slow the Ford family down, you're dead wrong:
RECAP: Mayor Rob Ford drops out of mayoral race; brother Doug Ford officially replaces him as candidate. R Ford runs for councillor Ward 2
— CP24 (@CP24) September 12, 2014
STATEMENT from Rob Ford, part 1: pic.twitter.com/k1cer7N0LW
— Daniel Dale (@ddale8) September 12, 2014
STATEMENT from Rob Ford, part 2: pic.twitter.com/9RtSb8IiZq
— Daniel Dale (@ddale8) September 12, 2014
That's right. Rob's brother Doug, the Stephen Baldwin to his Alec, will take over his brother's spot and run for mayor instead. Rob will instead go for a seat on the City Council, ensuring that the Ford Family Dynasty only grows in Canadian politics. Long may they reign.
UPDATE 2: The AP is reporting that Rob Ford's health problems are very serious:
BREAKING: Doctor says Toronto Mayor Rob Ford has cancer.
— The Associated Press (@AP) September 17, 2014
Here's hoping for a speedy recovery.
[via Twitter]