Dave Macpherson steps down from mayoral race

DAVE'S DONE: Dave Macpherson has stopped campaigning for mayor, but some has falsely said he has "withdrawn". PHOTO: CHRIS HILLOCK/Fairfax NZ — DAVE’S DONE: Dave Macpherson has stopped campaigning for mayor, but some have falsely said he has “withdrawn”. PHOTO: CHRIS HILLOCK/Fairfax NZ

Dave Macpherson has told Hamilton residents not to vote for him as mayor since he doesn’t see any chance of winning, instead urging voters to back Ewan Wilson.

Macpherson tweeted on Friday, “Int eh #Race4Mayor it’s now a 2 horse race. We fought hard and well but Ewan best option now for ousting Hardaker.” He later tweeted, “It was a tough call but the maths wasn’t in my favour, and Wilsons policies were closer to mine than JH’s.”

On Sunday Macpherson reassured voters that although he was out of the mayoral race he is still in line for council, tweeting, “@PeaceInEast I’m sad it didn’t quite work out for Mayor also, BUT am still running – hard – for Council!”

Because electoral rules state candidates cannot withdraw once nominations have closed, Macpherson’s mayoral votes will be counted, though some confusion has surfaced since his announcement.

After a frenzied media reaction Macpherson clarified on Twitter, “Have never said I’m withdrawing, not possible, am still campaigning 4 council & asking sptrs 2 vote 4 Ewan”

Resident Daniel Farrel tweeted, “@davemacpherson7 @CouncilHamilton So you’d be annoyed that @waikatotimes quoted you as announcing your withdrawal then?” Macpherson replied:”@danielfarrellnz @CouncilHamilton @waikatotimes yes & I’ve told them so. How does that help me when I’m still standing for Council?”

The Waikato Times tweeted back: “@davemacpherson7 @danielfarrellnz @CouncilHamilton : Have you been misquoted in any of the stories Dave? Happy to correct if you have been.”

Macpherson soon replied, “Dave Mac for Council ‏@davemacpherson7 17h @waikatotimes @danielfarrellnz haven’t been misquoted, just incorrect tech term “withdrawn” has got returning officer & others excited.”

Julie Hardaker was one of the “excited” others who used the incorrect term when she tweeted, “Dave Macpherson withdraws from the mayoral election. See my media release at http://juliehardaker.co.nz/topics/ … http://fb.me/6wJQ3clUY”

Though Macpherson has not technically “withdrawn” from the race, he continues to encourage support for Ewan Wilson. His efforts can be viewed on his Twitter account at https://twitter.com/davemacpherson7