Ravenstahl Requests Name Be Removed From Ballot

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – After announcing that he would not seek re-election last week, Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl made it official on Wednesday.

According to the Allegheny County Democratic Committee, Ravenstahl requested that his name be "removed from the ballot of the Endorsement meeting scheduled for March 10, 2013."

"We thank the Mayor for his respect for the Allegheny County Democratic Committee and our endorsement process. We look forward to his ongoing support," Allegheny County Democratic Committee Chair Nancy Patton Mills said in a statement.

On Friday, Ravenstahl held a press conference to announce that he would not seek re-election. He said he would finish out his current term and that he was proud of the work he has accomplished in his time as mayor, but "this success, however, comes at a cost."

He indicated that the burden of his job had become too great for him and his family, but said he was happy with his decision.

VIDEO: Mayor makes his announcement:

It was rumored that pressure from the ongoing investigation into the Police Bureau and alleged misuse of funds would be the reason Ravenstahl would not seek re-election. However, he said the investigation is not the reason for his decision, saying, "I have done nothing wrong."

Ravenstahl said that there was no specific reason for his withdrawal, but he has felt like he should leave office for a long time and had been fighting that feeling.

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