Norma Smith and Herb Meyer will be going head-to-head for the Republican nomination for Congress from the Second Congressional District.

It became a two-person race Friday when State Rep. Kelly Barlean of Langley withdrew his candidacy. On Monday, Barlean described his decision to pull out as “difficult but pragmatic.”

It simply came down to money, according to Barlean. He said at the end of June his campaign had grossed about $117,000. That compares to over $1 million for the first-term incumbent, Rick Larsen.

“The campaign has not raised enough money to defeat a well-financed incumbent,” said Barlean. He expressed some frustration that the national Republican party hasn’t done more to help the trio trying to get Larsen’s seat. “The national party won’t get involved unless Larsen shows poorly in the primary,” he said.

According to Barlean, that’s a poor strategy due to election timing. Even if the Republican winner on Sept. 17 makes a good showing and receives a large influx of national money, “If you have the money, where are you going to spend it?” he asked. Barlean noted that absentee ballots will be mailed only three weeks after the primary, and it will be hard to organize an effective advertising blitz quickly. Over half of all votes are cast by absentee ballots in Island County.

As for Smith and Meyer, Barlean said he wishes both of them well. Smith lives in Clinton and is a former aide to Congressman Jack Metcalf. Meyer lives in Friday Harbor; he is a businessman and former aide to President Ronald Reagan. Barlean said if they get a combined 52 percent of the primary vote, the winner might have a shot at upsetting Larsen.

In a news release Tuesday, Smith said she is “confident that we will have the resources necessary to win this race.” As of July 15, she had raised $203,675 and had $104,6411 cash at the end of June. Meyer had raised $121,689 and had $27,440 cash at the end of June.

One of Barlean’s strongest supporters was Oak Harbor resident George Crampton, founder of the Mainstream Republican Club of Island County. “It’s a real disappointment,” he said Tuesday of Barlean’s decision to withdraw. “He was certainly the most moderate of the three candidates. He was not courting the religious right.”

Crampton said both major parties will have problems with the timing of contested primaries until the primary election date is moved “much earlier” in the year. There has been talk of that in the Legislature but no action has been taken.

Barlean said he will complete his present term in the state Legislature and then return to being a full-time lawyer. Seeking his seat are Republican Barbara Bailey of Oak Harbor and Democrat Eron Berg of LaConner.