OCEAN CITY-- Frank Conrad has withdrawn from the First District Assembly race, according to a press release. The Upper Township committeeman cited a need to concentrate on pulling his small highway-safety-equipment business through the recession.

John McCann an Ocean City real estate agent will continue to run were Conrad left off alongside Mike Donohue on the Republican ticket.

A news release from Donohue quotes Conrad as saying: "John McCann is a proven leader, a guy who, like me, knows what it takes to actually create jobs and meet a payroll. He'll provide the kind of small-business perspective we need more of in Trenton. I strongly endorse his candidacy to replace me on the ticket."

McCann, Ocean City's Republican chairman, has been directing gubernatorial candidate Christopher Christie's campaign in Cape May County.