By Lynn Hatter
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-984329.mp3
Tallahassee, FL – David Bitner is out as Florida's Republican Party Chairman. Lynn Hatter reports the he's recommended the party's vice chairman to replace him. Bitner's departure had been rumored for weeks, as he battled Lou Gherig's Syndrome, also known as ALS.
Bitner is resigning from his post near the end of September. He was diagnosed with Lou Gherig's disease earlier in the year. The disease attacks the nervous system in the brain and spinal cord that controls voluntary muscle movement. Republican Party Spokesman Brian Hughes confirmed Bitner's departure.
"It's clear that ALS brings tremendous challenges with it. And all I can tell you is, in the face of these challenges, working so closely with Chairman Bitner, I have been genuinely moved by the courage and integrity he brings to that challenge."
On September 23rd the party's executive committee will meet to officially designate a new Chairman. Bitner has endorsed his Vice Chairman, Lenny Curry, for the job.