Negron backs attorney in Fla. GOP primary

The 2006 Republican nominee for Rep. Tim Mahoney’s (D-Fla.) seat on Monday endorsed attorney Tom Rooney in the GOP primary in that district.

Former state Rep. Joe Negron (R) waged an unsuccessful campaign against Mahoney as a late fill-in for disgraced former Rep. Mark Foley (R). He was thought to be interested in running again — this time with his name actually on the ballot — but he opted against it last year.

{mosads}“Tom has proven to be a genuine and approachable candidate who's eager to listen,” Negron said. “He has a humble disposition, and that’s a quality I put a lot of value on.”

Rooney faces a three-person primary against state Rep. Gayle Harrell and former Palm Beach Gardens City Councilman Hal Valeche. No clear favorite has yet emerged.

The winner will be one of the GOP’s top takeover hopes this year. The district leans heavily Republican and was swayed toward Mahoney by the fact that voters had to select Foley’s name in order to vote for Negron.

Negron revealed this month that he will run for the state Senate in 2010.