By Keegan Gibson, Managing Editor

Tim Burns has dropped out of the U.S. Senate race, his campaign announced Thursday afternoon. The Washington County businessman had defiantly pressed on in the immediate aftermath of Republican State Committee’s decision to endorse rival Steve Welch, but ultimately decided against a run.

After weeks of beating Welch, Burns struck an accepting note in his withdrawal.

Update: PoliticsPA obtained copies of Burns’ last attack mailers against Welch, which hammer him for ties to Ed Rendell (front and back) and all three (front and back).

“I thought it was important and have always supported the party’s right to make an endorsement.  That’s why I went to meet with so many leaders across the Commonwealth,” he said.  “Those leaders spoke on Saturday, and while it may not have been the outcome I hoped for, I have always known it would be difficult to carry on without their support.”

But he stopped short of echoing Governor Corbett’s endorsement of Welch.

“Governor Corbett made a choice in this primary, and the State Committee has confirmed his choice.  I know the Governor wants what is best for Pennsylvania and this country.  And he deserves our full support in that effort.”

His full statement is below.

Without support from state committee, Burns face an uphill climb. He would have had to invest a significant amount of his own money just to clear the primary.

Ironically, his departure probably hurts Welch. As the strongest southeast Pa. candidate, Welch stood to benefit from the presence of two contenders in western Pa: Burns, and former coal company owner Tom Smith of Armstrong County.

Smith currently leads the money race, with $4.4 million cash on hand – most of it from personal loans. Welch, an entrepreneur from Chester County, has $1 million on hand.

Former state Rep. Sam Rohrer of Berks County has about $70,000 on hand; none of the remaining candidates has more than $100,000.

However, Burns may not be finished running for office. Prior to state committee, he was offered the support of several stakeholders for a bid for Congress in the newly-drawn 12th district (despite the fact that he lives well outside the district).

Here is Burns’ full statement:

Tim Burns To Exit U.S. Senate Race

HARRISBURG, PA – Former small business owner and candidate for U.S. Senate, Tim Burns, released the following statement this morning:

“As I said after Saturday’s State Committee Meeting, the vote was the first battle in a long process to end the Casey/Obama agenda.  It is a battle that I am committed to pursuing, but not one that I will be doing as a candidate for the United States Senate.”

“When I began this process I put a premium on getting the endorsement of the Republican Party.  I thought it was important and have always supported the party’s right to make an endorsement.  That’s why I went to meet with so many leaders across the Commonwealth.  Those leaders spoke on Saturday, and while it may not have been the outcome I hoped for, I have always known it would be difficult to carry on without their support.  To those who supported me, I thank you.  I won’t ever be able to express my gratitude.”

“Governor Corbett made a choice in this primary, and the State Committee has confirmed his choice.  I know the Governor wants what is best for Pennsylvania and this country.  And he deserves our full support in that effort.   I look forward to working with him in the future to advance our party and our country.”

“As I told many people during this process, I am not a politician.  I know that there are other ways to serve the country than simply putting your name on a ballot.  I stand ready to help our party and our country prosper in the coming months and years.”