Growing family makes Bilbray challenger drop out of 2010 race

Solana Beach City Councilman Dave Roberts (D) has announced he will be dropping his campaign to face Rep. Brian Bilbray (R-Calif.).

Roberts, who is gay and is married to another man, said he has been given the opportunity to adopt the siblings of one of his children, and he has decided it will preclude him from running for Congress.

Roberts was the top fundraisier in the Democratic primary in the third quarter and was beginning to draw the attention of the media in Bilbray's district. Now, repeat candidate Francine Busby and attorney Tracy Emblem will fight for the right to take on Bilbray.

Roberts's story is pretty interesting. From the San Diego Union-Tribune:

“Monday was one of the happiest, yet saddest, days of my life,” Roberts wrote in the e-mail.

“As many of you know, Wally and I have been foster parents for abused children well over a decade. Years ago, we adopted our first two sons from the foster-care system and we are in the process of adopting our third son. About four weeks ago, we were unexpectedly contacted by the San Diego County Department of Children’s Services and offered two additional foster children, ages 2 (years old) and 1 year old to bring into our home.

“These children are the half-brother and sister of our youngest son. (Monday) we learned that these two young, foster children may become available for adoption and a permanent part of our family. In a short time, our family has almost doubled in size and we have come to love these children, and they have quickly becoming an integral part of our family.”

Imagine. Two babies, a boy and a girl, on the doorstep.

Over the summer, Roberts deliberated over running for Congress when he had only — only — three adopted children (three boys, ages 14, 9 and 5) at home The unexpected arrival of two more made what seemed just possible absolutely impossible.

“Keeping families together is an important value to us,” Roberts wrote, “and we consider it important that we rescue these two children from their prior environment into one that offers love, a chance for a good education and healthy lifestyle. With our young children so new to our family, my campaign absences are unfair to them and Wally. While we could have hired people to help us, spending time with our newly expanded family cannot be done by anyone else. Parents all over the world are postponing their dreams for their children. I am in good company.”

Roberts went on to announce that he is ending his congressional ambitions for the 2010 cycle. “This decision was made after much thought and many sleepless nights,” he added.