FLORIDA: 39th GOP US House Rep Hits The Exit

The Tampa Bay Times reports:

Florida Rep. Tom Rooney will not run for re-election, he announced on Monday. “After what will be 10 years in the United States Congress representing the good people of Florida’s Heartland, it’s time to “hang em up” as my old football coach used to say. I look forward to serving Florida again in the future in a different capacity. Keep the faith. Slainte! Rooney out.”

The decision, while sudden, is not terribly surprising and a number of veteran lawmakers have announced retirements, including fellow Florida Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Miami.

Rooney, R-Okeechobee, has become frustrated with Washington and Congress. He backed Marco Rubio in the presidential campaign then un-endorsed Donald Trump after the Access Hollywood tape surfaced. That caused some friction as Trump performed well in Rooney’s district.

Rep. Tom Rooney (R, FL-17) will not seek re-election; 52nd House retirement. https://t.co/DCwdkHrtAE. Full list: https://t.co/sJnXTWpYot pic.twitter.com/F6Zsjzv7rT

— 270toWin (@270toWin) February 19, 2018