Bid Against Bill Nelson Not Ruled Out, but Mike Haridopolos Focuses on State Senate

Incoming Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, said on Thursday morning that he still did not receive an answer from a letter that he had sent to Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson earlier in the month on national issues. While Haridopolos said he was flattered that people were speculating he would consider taking a shot against Nelson in 2012, he said he was focusing on his work in the Senate -- though he did not flatly rule out a run in 2012.

Haridopolos said that his increased focus on national issues was a result of his continued work in the Legislature.

Most of the problems we have derive from Washington, said Haridopolos, who has been very critical of the Obama administration and Democrats in Congress for passing new health-care laws, expanding the size and scope of the federal government, and pushing the federal stimulus.

Haridopolos will be touring Florida next week, focusing on health care and Medicaid issues.