State Representative Ted Vick has ended his bid for South Carolina's 7th Congressional District in the wake of his DUI arrest in Columbia early Thursday morning.

According to a letter to the WBTW Sales staff from LUC MEDIA, a media buying group working on behalf of the Democrat's campaign, the congressional hopeful is ending his bid for federal office.

“Due to recent developments, Ted Vick is ending his campaign for SC Congressional District 7," the letter said. "Please pull all spots off all logs and cancel future contracts/orders effective immediately.”

Vick's exit marks the second time a front runner canddiate for the new congressional seat has stepped down following an arrest, and leaves Georgetown economist Gloria Bromell Tinubu and Horry County attorney Preston Brittain the two leading candidates in the Democrat primary.  

Vick, D-Chesterfield,  was pulled over around 1:00 am Thursday, May 25,  for speeding. A Columbia Police Department incident report states Vick was driving 44 mph in a 30 mph zone.

The officer reported smelling alcohol, and observed Vick was unsteady on his feet when he exited the vehicle. Both Vick and his 21 year old female passenger admitted to drinking at a Five Points bar prior to being pulled over.

Vick refused a breath sample, and was arrested for DUI. When they arrived at the jail, officers discovered a .380 pistol in Vick's pocket.  

He was charged with unlawful possession of a handgun after officers discovered his concealed weapons permit expired in 2007.

Vick released a statement yesterday apologizing for his actions and saying "politics will have to wait," leaving it unclear if he would end his campaign for the congressional seat.

Rep. Vick is the Democratic leader in fundraising for the 7th district, with a tally of $385,000raised. The campaign has only spent $80,000 of that total to date.

It is unclear whether or not Vick will also end his campaign for a fifth term as Chesterfield County's state representative. Vick is slatted to run unopposed  for S.C. House District 53 in the Democratic primary, after challenger  Phil Powell was among candidates removed following the statewide ballot controversy. Republican Richie Yow will appear on the ballot in November as the GOP nominee.  

From WBTW TV-13