House speaker Larry Cretul will not run for Congress.
The Ocala Republican, whose district stretches from Marion to Orange counties, was reportedly thinking about launching a bid for the seat held by freshman Democrat Alan Grayson.
Cretul told the Ocala Star-Banner that he made his decision after consulting with family and friends.
Cretul was reportedly recruited by the Republican National Committee.
Orange County mayor Rich Crotty and former state senator Daniel Webster are said to be considering a run, but haven’t formally announced they’re intentions.
State Representative Stephen Precourt of Orlando is also rumored to be considering getting in the race
Freshman Democratic Rep. Alan Grayson announced today that Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. would headline a luncheon for him later this month, a clear sign that Democrats are preparing for a tough fight in Florida’s 8th District.
The Aug. 19 luncheon for Grayson features Biden, Sen. Bill Nelson, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and other local figures.
Grayson instantly became a top election target when he defeated Republican incumbent Ric Keller in 2008 in the competitive Orlando-area district.
State Representative Steve Precourt (District 41 -Winter Garden) announced his endorsement of Marco Rubio for U.S. Senate.
Born and raised in Orlando and a District 1 resident, Precourt represents a significant portion of West Orange County and was supported by more than 70% of its residents when he was elected in 2006.
Precourt publicly endorsed Marco Rubio in Orlando at the Tea Party event held on July 4th the Amway Arena. Precourt, said “that there were not a lot of us in the Florida Legislator that have the backbone to come out and endorse him right now, but I want to tell you publicly that I am endorsing Marco Rubio in the Senate campaign.”
House speaker Larry Cretul will not run for Congress.
