His previous Facebook posts made it sounds like he had the signatures. Maybe he’s pursuing a career opportunity through his work, or in private sector?

Maybe he saw the reality that he could not compete given his lack of fundraising?

While I take Mr. Malouf at his word he’s telling the truth about not filing his petitions and will not file, the truth is, he has until December 2nd 5PM to change his mind.

So the cynic in me has not ruled out this may be a publicity stunt to get his supporters, including the volunteers who helped him gather those signatures, to “bring him back by popular demand”, and/or “with new found funding support”, he will file before next Monday’s deadline.

And if he does, he’ll also have the added benefit of being listed last on the ballot, instead of Anthony Catella, who filed his petitions mid-morning instead of 8AM which keeps him out of a lottery for the top spot on the ballot.

Speaking of which, wish the law can be changed to the coveted last spot on the ballot would go to the runner-up in the top-of-the-ballot lottery drawing. That is an added incentive for everyone to turn in their petitions on filing day. The law was changed a few years back subjecting the last-on-the-ballot spot to a lottery for everyone filing in the last hour before closing.

Seems like a simple change to make, too, and surprised it has not yet been done.