Stephen Colbert Ends White House Bid

The Executive Director of the South Carolina Democratic Party said that council members had some concerns about the viability of Colbert as a candidate.

Photo courtesy: Comedy Central/"The Colbert Report"

(NEW YORK) - Comedian Stephen Colbert's bid for the White House may be the shortest in U.S. history.

Colbert, host of "The Colbert Report" on Comedy Central, issued his first formal statement in response to the decision by South Carolina Democrats last week to deny him a spot on the presidential primary ballot.

“I am shocked and saddened by the South Carolina Democratic Executive Council’s 13-to-3 vote to keep me off their presidential primary ballot,” he said in the statement. “Although I lost by the slimmest margin in presidential election history — only 10 votes — I have chosen not to put the country through another agonizing Supreme Court battle. It is time for this nation to heal.”

Colbert added: “I want say to my supporters, this is not over. While I may accept the decision of the council, the fight goes on! The dream endures!”

Colbert did not apply to appear on the state GOP primary ballot.

Colbert, was raised on James Island in Charleston, S.C., and filed his application with the state Democrats and paid the $2,500 filing fee before the noon deadline last week.

A spokesperson for the South Carolina Democrats said that money will be refunded.

The Executive Director of the South Carolina Democratic Party said that the council members had some concerns about the viability of Colbert as a candidate. Joe Werner said that state party rules require candidates to be viable and nationally recognized in order to appear on the ballot.