By RICK MILLER
Olean Star
RANDOLPH — District Attorney candidate Preston Marshall bowed out of the DA race today over health concerns.
Earlier this month, on February 7, GOP district attorney candidate Preston Marshall slipped on ice at his home and smacked his head on his icy driveway. Immediately after the fall, he had little feeling in his arms and legs. He shouted and his wife heard him from inside their home. A school bus driver also stopped to help. They covered him with blankets to keep warm until the ambulance arrived.
Marshall was taken to UMPC Hospital in Jamestown for x-rays, then to UMPC in Erie for a CAT scan. “There was a while (in the hospital) when I didn’t know if I was going to be able to move without a walker,” Preston said from his Randolph home. “I’m still wearing a neck brace.”
Preston was diagnosed with central cord syndrome. His doctor said it could have been worse if not for Marshall’s high blood pressure that helped push blood through a constricted artery in his spinal area.
Marshall recovered the use of his arms and legs within a few days and was hopeful to continue the race for District Attorney.
Tuesday Preston learned that he will undergo surgery in late March and that the recovery process will take 3-6 months.
Although he expects to make a full recovery, Preston’s doctors cautioned that if Preston fell again before surgery, he would likely be permanently paralyzed.
Marshall said late Tuesday, “I was planning to continue to campaign, neckbrace and all.” He said, “the position of District Attorney is an important job and the people of Cattaraugus County deserve someone in that post with experience and integrity.” He continued, “I was the best candidate and if I could have gotten out there and campaigned, I would have won.”
Preston concluded however, “I care deeply for the people of this County; however, my top priority is to my four young children and my wife. At this point, I have to take care of myself, so that I can be there for them for many years to come.”
Questioned whether he might run again in the future, Preston did not rule it out.
District Attorney Lori P. Rieman indicated she will not seek re-election. With Preston out of the race, the only announced candidate is Ashley Smith.
Candidates have until April 3 to turn in the requisite signatures to run for office.
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