Mike McCalister Plans to Run for U.S. Senate in 2012

Mike McCalister will be back in 2012.

The retired Army colonel, best known for his bid for the Republican gubernatorial nomination earlier in the year, has a website set up for a bid for the U.S. Senate election in 2012. McCalister, who lives in Plant City and teaches MBA courses at Everglades University, is best known for his surprising showing in the primary -- taking more than 10 percent of the vote against Rick Scott and Attorney General Bill McCollum.

A host of other Republicans are looking to take on Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson in 2012 including incoming Senate President Mike Haridopolos, outgoing U.S. Sen. George LeMieux, incoming U.S. Rep. Dan Webster and U.S. Rep. Connie Mack.