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Brown-Waite drops re-election bid

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WASHINGTON — Citing health problems, U.S. Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite, R-Brooksville, announced at the last-minute that she will not run for re-election and instead support the candidacy of  Hernando County Sheriff Richard Nugent, who beat today’s noon deadline to qualify.

In February, Brown-Waite told supporters that she would run again, noting that: “given the challenges facing our nation, the hollow words from our president, and the trust you have placed in me, I could not walk away, not now.”

But in March, the four-term lawmaker revealed that she would have to undergo surgery to “remove a blockage in my abdomen” and today Brown-Waite said that continued health issues barred another congressional run.

“As I have prepared for my campaign, I have been troubled by persistent health problems and have come to the disappointing and sad conclusion that I cannot run for reelection.  There are simply too many unresolved issues around my health and my pancreas  in particular.  As of this morning, my doctors are still undecided about what course to pursue next for my treatments,” said Brown-Waite in a statement.

The announcement, and the backing of Nugent, came 10 minutes after the deadline for congressional candidates to file to run with state election officials. The timing is sure to frustrate possible candidates in both parties, particularly Republicans, who may not have filed because Brown-Waite was in the race.

Brown-Waite said in a statement that she would ask the Secretary of State to withdraw her name from the ballot on Monday. As part of the joint announcement, Nugent thanked Brown-Waite for her support.

“There is no one in this country who has been more committed to serving our seniors and veterans than Ginny Brown-Waite.  I am proud to continue her fight on their behalf and thank Ginny for her service and sacrifice,” he said in a statement.

Brown-Waite lost her former husband Harvey to pancreatic cancer in 2008. When announcing her now-defunct bid for re-election in February, Brown-Waite also publicized her decision to marry Anthony “Tony” Selvaggio, a businessman who founded a Pennsylvania coffee company.


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