After 10 Glorious Years, Sunshine State News and I Are Passing the Baton

Republican Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite announced today that she will not seek a fifth term to the U.S. House due to health concerns. With today being the last day to file for federal office, Brown-Waite threw her support to Hernando County Sheriff Richard Nugent. From Spring Hill, Nugent has served as sheriff since first winning election back in 2000. Conservative activist Jason Sager, who was planning to challenge Brown-Wait in the G.O.P primary, will remain in the race despite the new opponent. The winner will likely face Democrat Jim Piccollo, a businessman and veteran of the 101st Airborne .

Just when you thought the U.S. Senate race could not get more dramatic, billionaire Jeff Greene, who made his fortune in real estate, filed papers this morning to run for the Democratic nomination. Greene had had a colorful life to say the least-he waited tables at the Breakers growing up and the best man at his wedding was Mike Tyson. Yes, that Mike Tyson. U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek is the favorite in the race with former Miami Mayor Maurice Ferre and former North Miami Mayor Kevin Burns also in the race.

Attorney General Bill McCollum, the leading Republican gubernatorial candidate, spoke out against Gov. Charlie Crist leaving the G.O.P. to continue his campaign for the U.S. Senate as an independent. While not surprised by his decision, I am deeply disappointed Governor Crist has left the Republican Party, said McCollum. It is a short-sighted maneuver that directly contradicts his previous pledges to remain in the primary race.

Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp may have been Crists running mate in 2006, but he is off the Crist band wagon in 2010. I hope the Governor's decision today to run for the United States Senate as an independent candidate, rather than as a Republican, will have no impact on our personal relationship, said Kottkamp. However, as a lifelong Republican I am committed to supporting my party and the principles I have fought for my entire life. I will support the Republican nominee for United States Senate.