By John Lyon
Arkansas News Bureau

LITTLE ROCK — Former Arkansas Farm Bureau President Stanley Reed of Marianna announced today he is withdrawing as a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate because of health concerns.

Within the past 48 hours, Reed underwent medical tests related to cardiovascular issues and decided it would not be appropriate to continue with his campaign at this time, said Reed’s campaign manager, David J. Sanders.

Reed, 58, had announced his candidacy on Dec. 10.

“This was a tough decision, but it’s the right one,” Reed said in a prepared statement. “I want to thank those who have been so supportive over the past three months as I weighed the decision to get in the race. And though I had only a been a candidate for a week, I’ve been heartened by the incredible show of support. I’m especially appreciative to those who set out with me on this trek.”

Sanders said the campaign will refund all donations it has received. He declined to estimate how much money had been raised but said the campaign had a strong first week.

Reed is also a former chairman of the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees. With his withdrawal from the race, the number of announced candidates for the GOP nomination to challenge Democratic Sen. Blanche Lincoln next year shrinks to seven, though former state Sen. Jim Holt is exploring a U.S. Senate bid.