Democratic activist Wayne Wilson withdrew as a candidate for state representative in the sixth Suffolk during the opening remarks of what was billed as a debate at the Boston Prepatory Charter Public School in Hyde Park on Monday evening.

Wilson told the crowd of approximately 50 students and neighborhood residents that he was pulling out of the race because of circumstances beyond his control.

"I was looking for the endorsement of the AFLCIO," Wilson told the Reporter after his announcement. "I worked diligently for the labor support, and was the only [Sixth Suffolk candidate] in the workforce until I withdrew."

Despite his efforts, Wilson said the AFLCIO has endorsed Willie Mae Allen, prompting his decision to withdraw from the race. Wilson said he would follow the AFLCIO's lead in endorsing Willie Mae Allen and that he would volunteer for her campaign in Ward 19, where he resides. Currently employed as a temp at Boston Billing, Wilson said that he would remain active in the Democratic Party and re-focus his political energy on the 2008 presidential campaign.

Wilson left the forum immediately after announcing his withdrawal, leaving only William Celester to field questions from the audience of students and voters. According to her campaign manager Cheryl Crawford, Willie Mae Allen had planned to attend the debate but was called to the hospital by a family emergency involving her daughter. --Patrick McGroarty