Three way GOP FL Senate primary? Rep. Glorioso says he's "strongly considering" a bid

Florida Rep. Rich Glorioso of Plant City is strongly tempted to stop running for Hillsborough Supervisor of Elections and instead enter the race to replace Sen. Ronda Storms, who's leaving to challenge a porn-vexed property appraiser.

"I'm looking at it pretty seriously. It's last minute. But I've wanted to serve in the Senate," Glorioso said. "Ronda had two more years in her term.  And I was running for Supervisor of Elections because Ronda had the seat locked down. But now that the seat's come open. I have the experience, I've chaired approprations committees for the past four years."

Glorioso said he'll decide by Tuesday or Wednesday. He better move quickly. Rep. Rachel Burgin and former Sen. Pres. Tom Lee have announced they'll run. The seat could cost up to $1 millon to win.

Freshmen Rep. Shawn Harrison may run as well, making for quite a Republican Senate primary this Aug. 14.

UPDATE: Fla. Attorney General Pam Bondi not getting married this weekend

See this post from Miami Herald news partner Tampa Bay Times ...
http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/the-buzz-florida-politics/content/pam-bondi-plans-get-married-saturday

Rep. Rachel Burgin is all in vs. former FL Sen. Prez Tom Lee for state Senate

State Rep. Rachel Burgin officially announced today that she will run for state Senate District 24 against former Senate President Tom Lee.

It'll be quite a race for Tampa Bay. As noted yesterday, when incumbent Sen. Ronda Storms announced her resignation, Burgin has an edge in that she's an incumbent and moneyman Sam Rashid, who fashions himself as a kingmaker, might favor her more. Lee, whom the lobby corps dislikes for forcing lobbyist reforms, still has access to heavy-hitter fundraisers and knows the game better than the others.

Storms decision ultimately affects the insider Republican battle between St. Petersburg's Jack Latvala and St. Augustine's John Thrasher to be Senate President in two years. Storms was a vote for Latvala.

Here's Burgin's written statement: 

“I am humbled to have represented State House District 56 for the past four years. State Senate District 24 encompasses many residents I have had the honor of representing since 2008,” said Representative Burgin.

“Senator Ronda Storms has served our community well for many years. Her steadfast and tireless commitment to conservative values and principles and her dedication to our community’s children have been extraordinary. My commitment is to work tirelessly to advance our shared values and principles in the Florida Senate.”

“The Senate needs true leaders that are willing to take a stand on behalf of the constituents they represent not just the special interests that may want their vote. The people of Florida have told us they want fresh faces, good morals, strong ethics and hard workers in Tallahassee who refuse to participate in politics as usual. As I run this race I will work hard to listen and continue to represent the residents of our community in the Florida Senate”