A pair of Democrats, who hadn't yet filed for election but had begun raising money, said this week they won't join two legislative races in Helena.

A Republican candidate for a Helena legislative race also said Tuesday he's dropping out after filing for the election last month.

Democrats Beth Brenneman and Robin Shropshire, who had filed to raise campaign funds but hadn't filed for the election, each said they had decided not to join their primary contests because of personal reasons.

Republican Shawn White Wolf hasn't formally dropped out of the House District 79 race, but said he will do so later this week.

Brenneman cited a serious family health issue.

"It's not at all anticipated, but it's what life does," she said.

She had planned to run in House District 81. Democrat Galen Hollenbaugh, who was appointed to the seat to fill a vacancy prior to the 2007 Legislature, is the only candidate from either party to officially file for the seat.

Brenneman, an attorney for the Montana Advocacy Program, said she would consider running for public office in the future.

"I wouldn't rule it out. I really believe in public service," she said. "I'll seriously consider it in the future."

Shropshire, a professor at the University of Montana-Helena, said a full class-load and a desire to continue her work with the state Board of Environmental Review influenced her decision to drop out of the House District 82 race.

"Trying to make sure I do my job and run a campaign at the same time is kind of difficult," Shropshire said.

If she had won the legislative race, she would have had to resign from the Board of Environmental Review.

"In light of all of the things that the Board of Environmental Review has coming up in the next year or so ... I feel I still have a lot of value to add by staying on," she said.

The seat Shropshire had planned to run for was held by Rep. Hal Jacobson, a Democrat who may not run for re-election because of term limits. Democrat Matt Cohn is the only person from either party to officially file for the election.

Both Brenneman and Shropshire added that they will return several thousand dollars in donations to donors and contribute any remaining funds to organizations.

Montana Commissioner of Political Practices Dennis Unsworth said state law requires the return of campaign funds to donors.

Any remaining funds must be given to organizations, though former candidates cannot directly or indirectly benefit, he said. He recommended charitable causes for any extra funds.

Brenneman said she had raised about $7,000. Her campaign treasurer couldn't be reached for comment Tuesday.

Shropshire had raised about $6,000 and said she was returning the money to donors or giving it to organizations.

White Wolf, the Republican, made his announcement after being asked about a recent misdemeanor conviction for driving under the influence of an intoxicant.

He said he will also return the $300 he raised for the campaign to the donors.

White Wolf, 34, White Wolf, Helena writer and business owner, pleaded guilty Jan. 14 to a June 2007 DUI, a charge stemming from a motor-vehicle collision at on Karmen Road. He refused a Breathalyzer test at the scene.

On Jan. 14, Lewis and Clark County Justice of the Peace Wally Jewel suspended White Wolf's license for six months, fined him $300 and ordered him to take chemical abuse classes.

When he was contacted for comment about the DUI, White Wolf said he was dropping out of the HD 79 race, leaving Democrat Chuck Hunter unopposed.

"(The conviction) will have an effect on my campaign," he said. "I think a guy can only take so much."

White Wolf said other factors played into his decision. He said he began having other problems after he filed for the race.

"Before I can do any politicking, I really need to take a look at what's going on with this stuff," he said.

Reporter Larry Kline: 447-4075 or larry.kline@helenair.com