MAHOMET – Gary Maxwell, one of three Republican candidates for the Champaign County Board in District 1, has withdrawn from the race and endorsed the other challenger, 48-year-old Stephanie Holderfield.

His decision means that incumbent Chris Doenitz, 48, of rural Mahomet, and Holderfield will compete for one seat in the Feb. 2 Republican primary election in the county board district that includes the northwest quadrant of the county.

Maxwell, 69, said he had entered the primary to ensure "the strongest possible candidate" represent the Republican Party in the November 2010 general election.

"I feel I have quite a bit to offer to the county board," said Maxwell, who served as a county engineer for several southern Illinois counties.

But after last week's lottery drawing, he said, "I found myself with the least favorable ballot position in a field of three candidates and decided to reassess my candidacy."

"The February Illinois primary, coupled with a three-way race, favor an incumbent," he said. "I met with candidate Stephanie Holderfield to determine if I could support her candidacy. I served 26 years as a county official, worked with dozens of county board members and gained insight as to traits of the successful ones.

"I believe Mrs. Holderfield possesses the work ethic, energy, enthusiasm and desire to conduct a successful campaign, and has many of the characteristics needed to become an outstanding Champaign County Board representative for the people of District 1."

The District 1 race is the only local contested race for Champaign County Republicans in the primary election. Democrats have contested primaries in District 6 (northwest Champaign) and District 9 (southeast Urbana).