SALT LAKE CITY -
Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff has suspended his Senate campaign to help his teenage daughter, who has entered a residential treatment program.
"My family comes first," he told Fox 13's Ben Winslow in an interview Wednesday morning. "My daughter comes first."
Shurtleff's daughter, Danielle, 17, has battled chronic depression and suicide attempts for years, he said. A few weeks ago, Shurtleff said, they decided to place her in a treatment program.
"She got involved in some very self-destructive behavior to the point where we had no choice but to put her in a residential treatment facility," Shurtleff said. "At that point, I start wondering how much does she need me? She's in a safe place, I can still do AG full time, nights and weekends running for senate. Yet as we progressed we learned how important my role and my wife's, together, in her treatment."
With that, Shurtleff announced he would be dropping out of the race. He refused to discuss details of his daughter's condition, but said that the rigors of the campaign would have adversely affected her recovery.
"We're literally talking about her future and whether she survives or not," said Shurtleff.
Danielle Shurtleff has gone public in the past about her battles with depression and suicide. She has spoken at school assemblies to students in efforts to educate about mental illness issues. Shurtleff said the only contact he has had with his daughter since she entered the treatment program has been through letters, but he said she seems to be doing well.
For Shurtleff, the end of his senate campaign is the end of a dream -- for now. During the interview with Fox 13 News, Shurtleff became emotional as he described the outpouring of support he has received since he made the announcement.
"Mark Shurtleff clearly has his priorities straight putting his family first," said one of his opponents in the race, incumbent U.S. Senator Bob Bennett. "I am distressed to hear this new information about Mark's daughter and wish him and his family the very best as they work through this challenge."
Shurtleff would not rule out a senate run in a few years. He said he has no plans to seek re-election as Utah Attorney General.
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"My family comes first," he told Fox 13's Ben Winslow in an interview Wednesday morning. "My daughter comes first."
Shurtleff's daughter, Danielle, 17, has battled chronic depression and suicide attempts for years, he said. A few weeks ago, Shurtleff said, they decided to place her in a treatment program.
"She got involved in some very self-destructive behavior to the point where we had no choice but to put her in a residential treatment facility," Shurtleff said. "At that point, I start wondering how much does she need me? She's in a safe place, I can still do AG full time, nights and weekends running for senate. Yet as we progressed we learned how important my role and my wife's, together, in her treatment."
With that, Shurtleff announced he would be dropping out of the race. He refused to discuss details of his daughter's condition, but said that the rigors of the campaign would have adversely affected her recovery.
"We're literally talking about her future and whether she survives or not," said Shurtleff.
Danielle Shurtleff has gone public in the past about her battles with depression and suicide. She has spoken at school assemblies to students in efforts to educate about mental illness issues. Shurtleff said the only contact he has had with his daughter since she entered the treatment program has been through letters, but he said she seems to be doing well.
For Shurtleff, the end of his senate campaign is the end of a dream -- for now. During the interview with Fox 13 News, Shurtleff became emotional as he described the outpouring of support he has received since he made the announcement.
"Mark Shurtleff clearly has his priorities straight putting his family first," said one of his opponents in the race, incumbent U.S. Senator Bob Bennett. "I am distressed to hear this new information about Mark's daughter and wish him and his family the very best as they work through this challenge."
Shurtleff would not rule out a senate run in a few years. He said he has no plans to seek re-election as Utah Attorney General.
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