Former Tiverton District 71 State Rep. John Loughlin announced Wednesday morning that he is ending his bid for Congress.

Reached by phone Wednesday, Campaign Spokesman Mike Napalitano said they are disappointed, but felt Loughlin took the high road with his sudden decision.

"We’re all in shock and we never saw this coming," he said. "I think what John’s done is very selfless. The way I see it, it's a bloody primary with lots of money spent that would weaken both candidates and help [David] Cicilline."

The other candidate Napolitano refers to is former State Police Col. Brendan Doherty, who was expected to square off against Loughlin in a Republican primary for the First Congressional District. That seat is now held by former Providence Mayor David Cicilline.

This morning, Loughlin posted a statement on his 2012 Campaign Facebook page thanking supporters and explaining his decision:

"While I had intended to begin my campaign for Congress upon my return from Iraq, it has become abundantly clear to me that the best way for the Rhode Island Republicans to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory is to conduct a long and divisive primary election in RI-01. I will, therefore, not seek the nomination of my party for Congress. I will have no part in any activity that would enable David Cicciline to remain my Congressman.

My bid for Congress was motivated by a desire for service, not the desire for a new title. I have a long history of service both politically and in the military – in short, I wasn’t running to “be” a Congressman, I was running to fix our state and strengthen our Nation."

Read more of Loughlin's statement here.