Richard Blevins said Thursday he is withdrawing from the Hall County sheriff’s race and is endorsing Gerald Couch for the post.In an emailed news release, Blevins said he is withdrawing because he was recently diagnosed with leukemia and is undergoing treatment.“As result, I have no choice but to suspend my campaign and withdraw my candidacy,” he said in the release.Other candidates declared for the race include Chuck Hewett, John Sisk, Jeff Strickland and Jon P. Strickland (no relation). All are Republicans.“When I began my campaign many months ago, I realized going into it that it would be a difficult, uphill battle and I would be the underdog,” Blevins said in the release.In backing his former rival, Blevins said Couch has “the experience, leadership, integrity and selfless dedication to make the tough decisions and bring about the changes that no other candidate can.”Qualifying for the race to succeed Steve Cronic is set for May 23-25. The primary election is set for July 31.