More potential challengers to Florida Rep. Alan Grayson, D-Fla., are deciding to take a pass on running against the freshman Democrat.
Former state Sen. Dan Webster, who was seen by many Republicans as someone who could clear the GOP field and help the party avoid a contested primary, took his name out of consideration Tuesday afternoon.
"This has been a very difficult decision for me personally, especially because of the tremendous outpouring of support that has flooded me from all sides," Webster said in a statement to the Florida press. "However, in spite of this incredible encouragement, I still have a certain check in my spirit, prompting me to follow a principle that has always served me well: 'When in doubt, don't.'"
That announcement was followed by the news that businessman Jerry Pierce, who had recently discussed putting a large amount of his personal fortune into a congressional bid, said he would not challenge Grayson.
Orange County Mayor Richard Crotty and Orlando businessman Tim Seneff already passed on the race.
"I wouldn't necessarily say it's back to square one. I think there's a lot of people who have been mulling over the idea but... have been waiting to see what Sen. Webster's final decision would be and now that that's out there's a lot of qualified people who can... decide if this is something they want to embark on," said Katie Gordon, spokeswoman for the Republican Party of Florida.
One well-known legislator whose name is still in the mix is Andy Gardiner, a Republican state senator.
Other Republicans getting mentioned as possibilities are real estate investor Armando Gutierrez, former pilot Dan Fanelli,and conservative activist Patricia Sullivan.
CQ Politics presently rates the general election race "Leans Democratic."
To follow all of the 2010 House races, check out the CQ Politics election map.
![[RSS]](http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/templates/images/rss_icon.gif){kind=icon}
![[ARCHIVES]](http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/templates/images/archives_icon.png){kind=icon}
Post A Comment