PUP Standard Bearer in Caribbean Shores Anthony Mahler is that no more. This evening he confirmed that he has stepped down for personal reasons.
And then he did better than that. Half an hour ago, he sent us the letter of resignation he had sent to the party chairman.
He says, "I have decided to immediately resign as Standard Bearer. It was not an easy decision to make, and even now I make this announcement with a very heavy heart."
He added that,"Due to personal reasons, I am forced to depart from my political life at this time."
And while that's it for him, he also had a less than encouraging send off for his party, sayin, quote:"It is my hope that in the days ahead the PUP will find itself and will once again become the champion of the people."
That sudden departure has created a major stir in the PUP where Mahler was viewed as a promising young candidate - with a strong PUP family background.
But, according to our sources, his fortunes in the party started to decline when his close ally John Briceno stepped down as party leader.
According to our information, Mahler had not been getting campaign funds as was expected or promised from his party - in fact he was getting less than other candidates - and so, he stepped aside in frustration.
Again, that is not what Mahler said officially - but we have spoken with others in the party in whom he confided his frustration.
So what's next for the PUP in Caribbean Shores? Rumors have long suggested that the Old Guard would have preferred to see Senator Lisa Shoman vie for that seat - and we can confirm that Mahler himself had heard and believed those reports months ago.
We could not reach Shoman to find out if she is interested now that the post is vacant.
Whatever happens, it will have to happen quickly - because general elections - if not imminent - are certainly on the horizon - and the UDP have a well-resourced Candidate, Santino Castillo already on the ground in the area.
