Toronto Won't Have Mayor Rob Ford to Kick Around Much Longer

Withdraws from re-election race and also has a tumor

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford withdrew his re-election bid Friday as he seeks treatment for a tumor in his abdomen, ending a campaign he had pursued despite persistent calls for him to quit amid drug and alcohol scandals.

A city hall clerk announced Ford's decision two days after the mayor was hospitalized. Biopsy results on the tumor won't be back for a week and a definitive diagnosis is pending.

The election is scheduled for Oct. 27. Two other major candidates are still in the running.