Sen. Mike Bennett Withdraws Name From High-Speed Rail Letter

Republican opposition to Gov. Rick Scott's decision to reject federal money for high-speed rail money, and the obligations tied to it, is weakening.

On Feb 17, a dozen GOP senators signed a letter supporting the federal funding, and sent it to U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. Sen. Thad Altman, R-Melbourne, cited that letter as support for his lawsuit against the governor's decision. But more than one senator is having second thoughts about the issue.

Wednesday, Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton, submitted a letter to LaHood revoking his signature from the letter.

"I authorized my name to be placed on this letter as a sign of support for the separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches of government," Bennett wrote. "However, it has become clear to me that the letter on Feb.17 was not about the separation of powers in government, but rather the unconditional support of bringing high-speed rail to Florida."

Thursday morning, Bennett submitted a letter to Gov. Scott affirming his new-found support of the governor's decision and clarifying his opposition to the Altman-Joyner lawsuit.

" In my attempt to disagree with the unilateral decision to refuse the funds for the high-speed rail, I am afraid that my signature on this letter has been misconstrued as support for a high-speed rail project in Florida," he said.