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3 GOP senators backing Norman in primary

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By WILLIAM MARCH

wmarch@tampatrib.com

Published: July 17, 2009

TAMPA - Three Republican state senate leaders, including the future senate president, have taken sides with Hillsborough County Commissioner Jim Norman over state Rep. Kevin Ambler in the Republican primary for a Tampa Senate seat.

Norman and Ambler are running for the District 12 seat now held by Victor Crist, R-Tampa, who faces a term limit next year.

Norman got the endorsements of Sens. Mike Haridopolos of Merritt Island, who will be Senate president after the 2010 election; JD Alexander of Lake Wales, a key member of the Senate leadership team; and Don Gaetz of Niceville.

Alexander said he's concerned about holding the seat.

"Given the number of seats that are open next year, it's probably a wise decision to make a judgment about which candidate is most viable and concentrate our support for that candidate," he said.

Haridopolos is the person most responsible for raising money and recruiting candidates to help Republicans hold their majority in the state Senate.

District 12 includes North Tampa and the University of South Florida area and extends into central and eastern Pasco County.

Ambler said he doesn't buy the electability argument.

"I think I'm more electable," he said. "I'm running to win, and I think I will win.

"My legislative record speaks for itself," he said. "Commissioner Norman is familiar with local politics, and I'm familiar with state politics and have been helping guide the state through this crisis."

Reporter William March can be reached at (813) 259-7761.

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