He won with 39 percent of the vote in a three-way race.
Republican leaders were concerned about the prospect of a three-way race.
It is unclear whether the move will have much effect on the three-way race.
On its face, it looked like a three-way race for the nomination.
The general election of 1986 saw a three-way race for governor.
He lost with 24% of the vote, running second in a three-way race.
He won the three-way race with a large majority to return to office.
"Or at least it's starting to look like it is going to be a three-way race."
In a three-way race, 38 to 40 percent may be enough.
In 1990 he won a three-way race here, but fell short of a majority.