Just two weeks ago, Workman told the Deseret Morning News Editorial Board that she would not seek such a doctor's note. She said she was not physically or mentally disabled and it would be wrong for her to claim she was.

But Owen said the strain on Workman the past two weeks — with Ivory getting in the race, the county party abandoning her, polls showing her trailing badly and especially her arraignment two weeks ago that came with the realization "that she cannot get to trial and be acquitted" before the Nov. 2 election — all added to a decision "she did not want to make."

Workman was not available for comment Monday night.

In a prepared statement given to the newspaper, she said: "My doctor has strongly advised that, in his opinion, with the extraordinary stress of the ongoing prosecution, I cannot continue a political campaign without unreasonably compromising my health. Recognizing the toll, I have decided to heed his advice."

Workman went on to say it is a "terrible thing to be wrongly accused. . . . I must now focus on a successful defense against false accusations."

She said even as late as last week she intended to keep her name on the Nov. 2 ballot. "But in the end, family and health must come first."

In her statement she thanked all the friends and supporters who have stood by her and said she was sorry that all the problems have temporarily overshadowed the good things that have been accomplished in the county over her last four years in office and all the good work done by dedicated county employees.

Workman's announcement will no doubt bring a new flurry of activity — politically and perhaps legally.

Swensen previously told the Deseret Morning News that she wouldn't challenge the validity of any doctor's statement on Workman's ability to continue in the race, beyond certifying that the signer of the letter really is a licensed physician.

If someone does sue over Workman's exit, it would then be up to a judge to decide if a new GOP candidate can be on the general election ballot.

Since the county GOP central committee has already endorsed Ivory, it is likely the same body would attempt to certify Ivory to the ballot, although other GOP candidates could apply to the party.

Swensen said previously that, depending on how close to Nov. 2 a candidate is replaced, various actions could be taken.

Since the ballot cards for the county's punch-card machines have already been printed with Workman's name on them, a sticker with the new GOP nominee could be placed over her name. Voters would then clearly know they are voting for the new Republican nominee, not Workman.

However, the county has had absentee balloting going on for several weeks, Swensen said last week.