BANGOR (AP) – The Republican field for governor has gotten a little smaller.

Stephen Stimpson of Bangor said Friday that he is dropping out of the 2006 governor’s race, citing the ailing health of his elderly mother.

Stimpson, a concessions stand owner, was considered a long shot in the Republican primary, to be held in June.

Other Republicans still in the race are two state senators, Peter Mills of Cornville and Chandler Woodcock of Farmington, and former U.S. Rep. David Emery of Saint George.

The primary winner will likely face Democratic Gov. John Baldacci, who is running for a second four-year term.

Stimpson, 46, said he had collected 1,967 of the 2,500 $5 checks required to qualify his campaign for public financing under the Maine Clean Election Act. Candidates enrolled in a party have until April 18 to submit the checks to state election officials, who were notified of Stimpson’s withdrawal Friday.

Information from: Bangor Daily News, http://www.bangornews.com