MMA Fighter Chael Sonnen Drops out of House 37 Race (Updated with Hanna comment)

Chael Sonnen, this week's Rogue, has quit the race in House District 37 (West Linn and parts of Washington County) due to unspecified concerns about a pending legal matter, according to Yahoo Sports.

Here's an excerpt from the statement Sonnen released:

In the best interests of my district, I am resigning from my campaign for the Oregon House of Representatives. A 2006 legal issue has arisen that needs my immediate attention. I am not at liberty to disclose the details, but my name was involved in a real estate case that requires a ruling. If the ruling is adverse, I would be disqualified from running for office until 2011. So, given that possibility, I have chosen to withdraw my name as a candidate in 2010. I will continue to contribute to my community and ensure that we have a capable candidate to run for my district in November.

The news throws a wrench into Republicans' hopes for what had been expected to be a hotly contested Nov. 2 general election race to replace GOP state Rep. Scott Bruun, who is running for Congress. Sonnen was due to face Democrat Will Rasmussen.

We'll have more as details become available.

Updated at 11:35 am:

Here's a statement from House Minority Leader Bruce Hanna (R-Roseburg)

House Republican Leader Bruce Hanna (R-Roseburg) had the following to say regarding the House District 37 election:

Chael Sonnen has notified me that, due to personal reasons, he will not be accepting the Republican nomination in House District 37. Only Sonnen can discuss his reasons for this decision.

"Under state law and Republican Party bylaws, we will have the ability to fill the party's vacancy in this election. We are confident that voters in House District 37 will have a strong Republican candidate who is committed to serving the district and putting Oregon's economy back on track.