State Sen. Bill Posey (R) announced on Saturday that he was jumping into the race to replace Rep. Dave Weldon (R) — and he did so with Weldon’s blessing and the endorsement of another state Senator who was considered a top contender for the vacant Congressional seat.

“I’m running to bring greater accountability to the federal government, just like I did at local and state levels,” Posey told the crowd at his announcement speech, according to Florida Today.

Posey was introduced at his announcement by state Sen. Mike Haridopolos (R), who also was contemplating entering the race for Weldon’s seat but has decided instead to try to become state Senate president after 2010. Weldon, who announced his retirement plans 10 days ago, in a statement called Posey a man who can “make sure every government dollar is spent wisely.”

Despite the show of GOP unity, Posey will face at least one other well-known Republican in the primary, state Rep. Stan Mayfield. On the Democratic side, former Brevard County Commissioner Nancy Higgs appears to be the leading contender.

Republicans are slightly favored to hold the Space Coast district.
— Josh Kurtz