The Bethel Republican Town Committee will be looking for a new candidate for First Selectman.  Steve Deuschle has dropped out of the race, citing family reasons.  In a letter to the RTC this week, the community volunteer said it was the perfect storm of person stuff he knows is coming.  Deuschle declined to detail the issues, but said he wanted to put his family first. 

He plans to continue working as board president for the Bethel Community Food Pantry, but may seek a leave of absence from the Planning and Zoning Commission.  He also volunteers with Brotherhood in Action and the Scotty Fund.

The Republican Town Committee unanimously endorsed Deuschle in February, along with longtime Selectman Paul Szatkowski.  The Committee will vote for its slate of candidates at its caucus in July. 

This comes as Democratic incumbent Matt Knickerbocker announced that he will seek reelection.  Knickerbocker was first elected to the position in 2009.  His running mate, Democratic Selectman Richard Straiton, will also be on the ticket.