Mack won’t run for Radel’s seat

Former Rep. Connie Mack (R-Fla.) won’t run for his old seat, which Rep. Trey Radel (R-Fla.) resigned from earlier this week.

Mack, who served four terms in Congress before an unsuccessful Senate bid in 2012, had been weighing a bid for his old seat in Southwest Florida, but ruled it out in a Wednesday statement.

{mosads}”In the weeks, months and years ahead I will continue to advocate for our shared principles. But I will be doing so not as a candidate or Member of Congress, but rather as a private citizen,” he said in a statement to the News-Press.

Republicans expect a crowded field for the special election to replace Radel, who resigned after being busted for cocaine. The district is heavily Republican.

Former Hill staffer Chauncey Goss (R), Florida state Sen. Lizbeth Benacquito (R), former state Sen. Paige Kreegel (R) and Naples Vice Mayor Gary Price (R) are all considering bids, while former Purdue University basketball player Kurt Clawson (R) is already in the race.