Connie Mack: I'm Not Running for My Old Seat

Former U.S. Rep. Connie Mack IV announced Wednesday that he will not be running for his old seat in Congress, which was vacated this week by Trey Radel.

"In the weeks, months and years ahead I will continue to advocate for our shared principles, not as a candidate or member of Congress, but rather as a private citizen," said Mack in a news release.

Mack held the seat in Congress from 2005 to 2013. He ran for U.S. Senate in 2012 but lost to Bill Nelson.

Earlier this week, Trey Radel resigned after months of scrutiny surrounding his October arrest for misdemeanor possession of cocaine. Radel pleaded guilty to the charges in a District of Columbia court and was sentenced to a year of probation. Initially, the congressional freshman decided to take a leave of absence from his position, but ultimately resigned after facing a formal investigation by the U.S. House Ethics Committee.

A special election will be held to replace Radel.

A recent poll conducted by StPetePolls.org placed Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto, R-Fort Myers, ahead of Mack, Chauncey Goss and Paige Kreegel for the coveted spot in Congress.