Rick Scott, Dem Chair Weigh in on Bud Chiles Dropping Out

Reactions to the news that Bud Chiles, who is running without party affiliation, would drop out of the gubernatorial race on Thursday and endorse state CFO Alex Sink, the Democratic nominee, broke along party lines.

We have always planned on a two-person race for governor, insisted Rick Scott, the Republican candidate in the race. This will be a contest which presents a clear choice between a conservative outsider with business experience and a specific plan to create 700,000 jobs, and another liberal Obamacrat who wants to raise taxes, cut Medicare, and supports Obamas failed stimulus.Anyone who doubted that Chiles would eventually drop out underestimates how desperately Obama liberals like Alex Sink want to do to Florida what they have done to America.

Democrats on the other hand praised Chiles.

"During his campaign for governor, Bud Chiles reminded Floridians of the values he and his family have dedicated lifetimes of service to our state fighting for -- such as cleaning up the Republican culture of corruption in Tallahassee, working to improve Florida's public schools, and advocating for children across the Sunshine State, said Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Karen Thurman. "By withdrawing from the race and supporting Alex Sink, Bud allows Floridians to be fully united behind Alex, the new and different leader we need to bring jobs to our state using her 26 years of business experience."