Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos (R) "will be running for the U.S. Senate in 2012," according to the Shark Tank.
In a phone conversation just a few minutes ago, Haridopolos told me that he was focused and diligently working to reduce the enormous budget shortfall that the state faces as well as tackling other pressing issues like immigration reform and Medicaid. When I asked him directly if he is running for the U.S. Senate, Haridopolos said, ”Yes, I am in.”
Apparently Haridopolos has filed the necessary paperwork to make his candidacy official, and he also indicated that he has started his fundraising activities. Haridopolos also stated that his main focus is on his legislative duties and the state’s business, and that a “formal announcement would come in the near future.” Haridopolos is the first one out of the gate in what will probably be a tightly contested Republican primary. Former Senator George LeMieux, Congressman Connie Mack, and former House Majority Leader Adam Hasner have all expressed an interest in the race.
Aaron Blake of the Washington Post notes that Haridopolos has launched a website geared toward a campaign.
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