Freedom Caucus Congressman Ends Reelection Bid; Says He is an Alcoholic

Thomas Garrett 

Virginia Congressman Thomas Garrett is dropping out of his re-election race to cope with alcoholism, according to the Washington Post.

“Any person — Republican, Democrat or independent — who has known me for any period of time and has any integrity knows two things: I am a good man and I’m an alcoholic,” Garrett said in a videotaped statment, fighting back tears. “This is the hardest statement that I have ever publicly made by far. It’s also the truth.”

Garrett is a member of the conservative Freedom Caucus and was facing a strong challenge from his Democratic challenger, Leslie Cockburn.

-RW