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Potential Grayson Challenger Says No Thanks

Scratch off another potential Republican challenger to outspoken Rep. Alan Grayson (D) in Florida’s 8th district.

After meeting with National Republican Congressional Committee officials earlier this week, attorney and 2006 Senate candidate Will McBride said Thursday that he is passing on a challenge to Grayson, a freshman.

“Unfortunately it’s not the right time for my family and my firm,— McBride said. “If my kids were a little bit older I would be filing and running.—

McBride lost by 19 points to then-Rep. Katherine Harris in the 2006 Senate primary, but he ran much closer to the Congresswoman in Orange and Lake counties, where the bulk of 8th district voters live.

With several early frontrunners now having passed on the race, the 8th district GOP primary looks like it’s going to be a crowded affair. Among those who have filed are local Tea Party organizer Patricia Sullivan, real estate developer Armando Gutierrez Jr., attorney Todd Long and veteran Dan Fanelli.

McBride said Thursday that among those Republicans being mentioned for the race he believes state Rep. Eric Eisnaugle or businessman Bruce O’Donoghue would make strong candidates.

Grayson created a firestorm in September when he suggested on the House floor that the GOP health care plans call for people who get sick to die quickly.

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