RICE ENDS LONG-SHOT CAMPAIGN FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL

The Orlando Sentinel political blog Central Florida Political Pulse is noting that State Representative Everett Rice (R - Treasure Island), a former Pinellas County sheriff, has decided to end his campaign for attorney general. It was generally considered a long-shot attempt, as Rice didn't have the name recognition or financial resources as GOP primary opponents Bill McCollum of Longwood or State Representative Joe Negron of Stuart.

During the quarter ending June 30, Rice only raised $13,305 in contributions, bringing his total to $223,094...a fraction of what McCollum and Negron have collected.

The only Democrat in the race, State Senator Walter G. "Skip" Campbell of Taramac, has enjoyed a comparable pace with the GOP candidates, raising a total of $803,218 through June 30.

This may actually be one of the most interesting statewide races to watch this November.