One Brookline resident has dropped out of the race, and is endorsing another.

Brookline resident and Town Meeting Member Julius Levine sent out a press release at the end of last week announcing his withdrawal from the race for 4th District race. Levine initially announced his bid for Barney Frank's seat at the end of December.

Joseph Kennedy III, saying in the release: "It happens that I was privileged to be a very active volunteer in the campaigns for Congress of Joe III’s Dad. Undoubtedly, Joe III will prove to be an equally well respected and effective Congressman."

This leaves, still in the race, Kennedy, Herb Robinson of Newton and  LaRouche Democrat Rachel Brown; and the Republican contenders: Former Fourth District challenger Sean Bielat, Brookline School Committee member Elizabeth Childs, and Fall River Dentist David Steinhof.

The following is a press release issued by the Jules Levine campaign:

Jules Levine’s campaign for Congress in the 4th District has made a centerpiece
of his platform the removal of the undue influence of money in politics. In particular he has called for public financing of election campaigns and a Constitutional Amendment to reverse the Citizens United decision of the U.S. Supreme Court.

He has contended that these reforms will remove major barriers at present to Congress enacting fair and productive legislation. Jules has found the voters to be very receptive to these proposals. These steps to prevent a plutocracy and restore true democracy have also been one of the primary goals of Occupy Boston and many “Occupiers” in other cities and regions. 

Levine’s campaign had hoped that the Occupiers would become grass roots supporters for his candidacy in large enough numbers so that it would succeed without accepting private campaign contributions. It turned out that the Occupy Movement decided against participating in electoral politics, at least not in this, its first year, of existence. 

Accordingly Jules Levine has issued the following statements: “It has become clear that I and a handful of dedicated Occupiers, in their individual capacities, cannot mount a viable campaign for Congress this year. I am withdrawing, and urge my supporters and all voters to help elect Joe Kennedy III. I myself have offered to help the Kennedy campaign in any way I can.”

“It happens that I was privileged to be a very active volunteer in the campaigns for Congress of Joe III’s Dad. Undoubtedly, Joe III will prove to be an equally well respected and effective Congressman.”

Levine added, “We must defeat the Republican nominee in the 4th District. During the 30 years that my friend Barney Frank has represented us, the 4th District has been a pathfinder and pacesetter for progressive values. The election of Joe Kennedy III in November will continue that tradition.”

[Correction: A previous version of this article did not include Rachel Brown, who is also running as a democrat. This was an oversight and has been corrected 4:15 p.m.]