Republican state Rep. Pat Rooney (on right)
Republican state Rep. Pat Rooney announced on Thursday that
he won't run for the open light red seat being vacated by Democratic Senate candidate Patrick Murphy. Rooney never seemed incredibly excited about the idea, and he's citing his "duties here at the Palm Beach Kennel Club" as a reason to stay put.
Martin County School Board member Rebecca Negron and 2014 nominee Carl Domino currently have the GOP field to themselves, but now that the wealthy Rooney is definitely out, other Republicans might start to look at this seat with renewed interest. Bill Castle, the general counsel to Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch, has been reportedly meeting with consultants in preparation for a possible run. Castle's father is a well-connected local businessman, which should come in handy if he jumps in.
Conservative pundit Noelle Nikpour was reluctant to oppose him, but she may go for it now. Some other potential GOP candidates include state Rep. Gayle Harrell, auctioneer and real estate agent Reed Hartman, St. Lucie County Commissioner Tod Mowery, Martin County Commissioner Doug Smith, and businessman Gary Uber. On the Democratic side, Palm Beach County Commissioner Priscilla Taylor is in while her colleague Melissa McKinlay is considering. St. Lucie County Commissioner Chris Dzadovsky has also been mentioned, though he hasn't said much about his plans. Romney won this seat 52-48 and both parties are expected to work hard to win it.