Change of GOP Foe to Bill Heller: Deneault Out, Brandes In

Rep. Bill Heller, D-St. Petersburg, dodged one Republican challenger only to pick up another.

At the end of the first quarter of 2010, Heller has raised almost $50,000 for his bid for a third term. He appeared to be facing a serious challenge from Connie Deneault, a Republican businessman who hauled in more than $51,000 in the month of March.

But Deneault announced yesterday that he is pulling out of the race. As we were continuing to ramp up our campaign, laying the foundation for the fall election, it became clear that the demands of campaigning were taking a personal toll far greater than I had anticipated, he said. I have made the decision to withdraw from this effort for personal and health-related issues.

Jeff Brandes, a local businessman and former Army officer, quickly jumped into the race with the Republican Party of Florida trumpeting the new candidate. Brandes, a native Floridian, is talking jobs and the economy.

"I am on a missionto get Florida moving again, said Brandes. Having served in the military and worked in our family business, I believe I have the ability to make that happen."
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