By Sascha Cordner
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-978106.mp3
Tallahassee, FL – A top Republican has removed his name as a GOP candidate in the U-S Senate race. As Sascha Cordner reports, Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos says he wants to focus on his local Senate responsibilities rather than divert his energy to a U.S. bid.
In a video on his campaign web site, Haridopolos says he feels he made the right decision, adding that he will not be seeking any office this year or next year:
"Instead I'm rededicating myself to finishing the job you sent me to do here in Florida. To those who have supported me in my race for the United States Senate, know that while I might be ending this campaign, I will not give up the fight. To my colleagues in the Florida Senate, please know that I will do everything I can to help renew the promise that is Florida."
Haridopolos' campaign showed signs of trouble when two of his top staff members recently announced they were leaving the campaign. In addition, Haridopolos was having problems raising funds. Governor Rick Scott issued a statement, saying he was surprised by the decision and called it a quote: "sad day for our state."