It was just last Thursday when Jason Blazakis told Morris County Democrats that his polling showed him to be the best candidate to challenge Tom Kean Jr. in CD-7.

Now, he is out of the race.

His boast about polling notwithstanding, Blazakis campaign had raised far less than his opponent Sue Altman.

Efforts to reach Blazakis have so far been unsuccessful, but a political source said Tuesday morning that Blazakis was leaving the race.

And late this afternoon, he posted a statement on social media that said he was exiting with a “heavy heart.”

That leaves Altman as the only candidate left against Kean.

In a “tweet,” today, she said:

“It’s the honor to carry the torch forward for CD-7. I am humbled and inspired by the optimism and experience already present in this district. We will do this together!!”

The benefit of this to Altman is pretty clear cut.

With no primary opponent, she can concentrate on the general election.

As it has been the last two election cycles, CD-7, which covers at least parts of six counties in central and western Jersey, is the most competitive district in the state.

For the record, Blazakis formally endorsed Altman.

And he added, quite dramatically:

“… We must defeat Tom Kean Jr. in November for the safety of our republic.”