RHINELANDER - Rhinelander native Kip Smith fomally ended his bid for Herb Kohl's senate seat Tuesday.

Smith cited financial constraints as the main reason for ending his campaign, but also said federal regulations proved to be a major roadblock.

Despite his early exit, Smith plans to continue his push for political reform.

"Just because I'm not the office for United States Senate, that doesn't mean I won't stop fighting for this country," Smith said. "The fight needs to happen not only from me, but from all of us. We need all our citizens to hold our leaders accountable."

Smith said his middle class status kept him more in touch with voters, but unfotunately wasn't enough to fund his campaign.

Still, he counts this run a success.

"To have people start speaking about specifics about how they're going to save the country, how they're going to save health care," Smith said. "How they're going to change our energy policy. Let's hear specifics. And that's what happened as our campaign brought to the forefront those issues."

Smith does not plan to formally endorse any other candidates, but says his running for office in the future is still a possibilty.