Libertarian Marc Victor announced Tuesday that he’s ending his campaign for US Senate in Arizona, cancelling his role as a potential spoiler in a race that now pits Republican Blake Masters against Democratic incumbent Sen. Mark Kelly. Per the New York Times, Victor endorsed Masters and posted a video that included a 20-minute conversation between the two. In a statement announcing his decision, Victor said, "I believe it is in the best interests of freedom and peace to withdraw my candidacy and enthusiastically support Blake Masters for United States Senate."
In a statement to the Times, Masters said Victor’s move provided "another major boost of momentum as we consolidate our support." Polls suggest a tight race, but Masters—a venture capitalist and political neophyte—will need all the help he can get. The latest NYT-Siena poll—conducted prior to Victor's announcement—shows Kelly with a 6-point lead and Victor garnering about 1% of the vote. The RealClearPolitics average shows Kelly with a 2.5-point advantage; it also shows Kelly leading to some degree in every major nonpartisan poll dating back to early August.
Victor’s campaign received financial support from Democrats seeking to promote his potential spoiler role, including $5,000 each from the Save Democracy and Defeat Republicans PACs. As the Times also notes, Victor “made waves” during the race’s lone debate when he said, quite sincerely, “What should the reasonable age of consent be? This is something that reasonable minds disagree on … That should be up for a vote.” Victor is the founder of the Live and Let Live Global Peace Movement, which urges followers to “unite around a basic principle that allows every competent adult to define and pursue their happiness in any way they peacefully choose.” (More Arizona Senate race stories.)
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