Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos' star-crossed campaign for U.S. Senate ended unexpectedly Monday morning, just days after the departure of his two top staffers.
The decision by campaign advisor Pat Bainter and campaign manager Tim Baker to drop out was the last in a series of stumbles and missteps that plagued Haridopolos, who had trouble serving his role as Senate president and as a campaigner for a major statewide office.
"It became increasingly clear to me, and those around me, that the responsibilities I was managing on both fronts are in conflict. I truly believed I could handle both jobs, but I was wrong. Now I am determined to make it right," Haridopolos said.
"Today, I am announcing that I will no longer be a candidate for the United States Senate, nor will I seek any other office this year or next. Instead, I am re-dedicating myself to finishing the job you sent me to do here in Florida," he said.
Compilation of analysis, reaction and stories about Mike Haridopolos dropping out of US Senate race
http://bit.ly/pQwRAu
Posted by: Saint Petersblog | July 18, 2011 at 10:57 AM
Oh my, whatever will Arlene do now? HA!
Posted by: Kharma cometh | July 18, 2011 at 01:16 PM
Meantime, Haridopolos' wife, Stephanie Haridopolos, and her friend, Arlene DiBenigno, began to take more control of the campaign away from the campaign manager, Baker, and his long-time advisor, Bainter. Both announced they were leaving late Thursday. DiBenigno took over.
...and THAT is the moment he lost the US Senate race. His wife should choose her friends better.
Posted by: Kharma cometh | July 18, 2011 at 01:35 PM
Hairpieopolis is out, he was waxed like a Brazilian, as it were. Too bad, but maybe he can write another bestseller about his run for office!!
Posted by: Bill Johnson | July 18, 2011 at 04:20 PM
Who wins, who loses with Mike Haridopolos dropping out of US Senate race
http://bit.ly/n6y80X
Posted by: Saint Petersblog | July 18, 2011 at 04:32 PM
how does arlene keep getting hired in talahassee? does she do anything that people really value?
Posted by: col. kurtz | July 18, 2011 at 11:40 PM
Arleene used to be a talented worker. The problem is she treats people very badly and has burned so many bridges that she is now ineffective. You can only go so long on past accomplishments. Her reputation is now haunting her.
Posted by: poor Arleene | July 19, 2011 at 07:33 AM