Bill Nelson and Rick Scott React to Mike Haridopolos Dropping Out

Reactions are pouring in across the state after state Senate President Mike Haridopolos announced on Monday morning that he was pulling out of the crowded Republican primary to take on Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson in 2012.

As Ive said a bunch of times before, the election is a long ways off, noted Nelson on his Facebook page. Right now Im just focused on doing my job. Come Election Day, if folks like the job Ive done, the politics will take care of itself.

I was surprised by Mike Haridopolos announcement today, said Gov. Rick Scott on Monday. Anytime a statewide race loses a principled conservative like Mike Haridopolos in a race of this importance, it is a sad day for our state. He was a great help to me during the legislative session as we put steps in place to turn Floridas economy around and get Floridians back to work.I look forward to his continued leadership during the upcoming legislative session.