By O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa)

Rob Sand, the Democratic candidate for governor, has withdrawn from this week’s debate with Republican Zach Lahn.

Sand’s brother-in-law, 42-year-old Walter Lauridsen, died last Thursday on a southern Iowa highway when he was struck by a vehicle. Emma O’Brien, the deputy manager of Sand’s campaign, issued a statement early this evening: “Rob Sand is focused on his family during this difficult time. He has withdrawn from the previously scheduled debate on Wednesday, October 21st. We are in contact with the Lahn campaign on rescheduling and appreciate their willingness to work with us. We will have more updates soon.”

Lahn issued the following statement about an hour earlier: “We have been informed by Iowa PBS that Rob Sand has withdrawn from Wednesday’s debate. We completely understand and are supportive of his decision. We will work with the station on rescheduling. We urge all Iowans to join us in continued prayer for Rob and his family at this difficult time. Some things are bigger than politics. We will have additional information on Zach’s Wednesday schedule as soon as possible.”

The family plans a private Celebration of Life event for Walter Lauridsen this Friday.

Sand and Lahn have debated twice before and were scheduled to debate a third time this Wednesday at 7 p.m. on Iowa PBS. The candidates are also scheduled to debate on Tuesday, October 27 on KCRG-TV in Cedar Rapids.