GMD has learned that Chris Winters, an attorney who has been the director of teh Office of Professional Regulation, and who had been planning a run for Secretary of State, has taken his name out of contention.

In a note posted on his web page, Winters made the following statement:

Dear Friends,

I am writing to share some recent news about my campaign for Secretary of State.  I have made the difficult decision not to run this year.  My wife Sarah and I are expecting a child in July and are thrilled to become parents again.  My family will always come first and it is clear that this is not the time for me to be engaged in an election.

Based on what is known at this point, this move would appear to leave the Democratic field for this race to declared candidate Charlie Merriman and rumored candidate Jim Condos. Of course, it's still early.

Follow the link for the rest of the Winters statement, and, of course, keep coming back here for the latest news on the 2010 election.