UPDATE: Jim King clarified his intentions, saying he is considering dropping out but will wait to make a final decision until he visits a neurologist next week. "I have had to cancel everything and suspend all campaign activity," he wrote in an e-mail. "I do not see the (neurologist) until Monday to do a full review of all options at that point."

Jim King, the Land O'Lakes Republican challenging U.S. Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite in the GOP primary, disclosed today he is dropping out of the race after being sidelined by a serious back injury.

King injured his back last week, possibly suffering two herniated discs, and canceled his weekend campaign appearances. He went to the doctor Tuesday afternoon and received a prognosis that will keep him from campaigning further. He plans to announce more details later today.

--John Frank, Times staff writer