Reaction poured in on Monday from across the state in the hours after state Senate President Mike Haridopolos announced he has withdrawn from the Republican U.S. Senate primary.
The crowded field of primary candidates quickly responded to the news by praising their former rival.
"This must have been a difficult decision for Mike and Stephanie, said Craig Miller. Miller, a former CEO of Ruth's Chris Steakhouse announced last week that he had joined the race. Mike should be applauded for dedicating himself to his current position and continuing to serve the constituents who elected him. While I am certain that those who supported his campaign will be disappointed, I believe they will also respect the tough choice Mike made to put the needs of all Floridians first."
Said former U.S. Sen. George LeMieux, "I wish Mike, Stephanie, and his family all the best and thank them for their commitment to public service. Mike Haridopolos is a leader who has worked for years to push a bold vision in the Florida Legislature. Mike and I agree that to create good jobs for Floridians, we need to reduce our debt and create an environment that nurtures America's entrepreneurial spirit. I hope Mike's supporters will consider joining me in my fight to retire (Democratic incumbent U.S. Sen.) Bill Nelson and end (U.S. Sen.) Harry Reid's reign as majority leader."
"Mike Haridopolos has always been a friend, said former state House Majority Leader Adam Hasner. He made a difficult decision today and I respect him for making it. Jillian and I wish Mike, Stephanie and the entire Haridopolos family the very best."
Less flattering was Eric Jotkoff, communications director of the Florida Democratic Party. Jotkoff looked to connect Haridopolos to financial woes that plagued the Republican Party of Florida (RPOF) under former chairman Jim Greer as well as disgraced former House Speaker Ray Sansom.
Was it the IRS/FBI investigation into the RPOF? asked Jotkoff. Or maybe something in Jim Greers upcoming trial? Did Ray Sansom flip on Haridopolos? Maybe something else.
Florida House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, who had endorsed Haridopolos in the Senate race, offered warm words of praise for his partner in the legislative leadership.
I was proud to support my friend Mike Haridopolos in his bid for the U.S. Senate, and I am equally proud and honored to serve with him as a presiding officer of the Florida Legislature, said Cannon. Together, with our Republican colleagues, we worked hard to pass a balanced budget without raising taxes, set aside adequate reserves, reform Medicaid, and to streamline antiquated growth-management laws. Our record here in Florida stands in stark contrast to the liberal, tax-and-spend Obama-Reid agenda Bill Nelson continues to support in Washington.
Records speak for themselves. Florida deserves better than Bill Nelson. I know he is beatable, and I look forward to working hard to support Floridas Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate, continued Cannon.
Today Floridas Senate President Mike Haridopolos announced he will end his campaign for U.S. Senate to continue his work in the Legislature and keep our state on the road to a prosperous future. I commend him for the positive message he brought to his U.S. Senate campaign, and I admire the dedication of Mike and his wife Stephanie to make Florida the best state in the nation, noted Dave Bitner, chairman of the RPOF. The field of Republicans who are prepared to stop Bill Nelsons liberal agenda is strong, and I know that we will win this U.S. Senate seat in 2012.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.
