Gaetz’s Father To Seek Return To Florida State Senate

The Pensacola News-Journal reports:

Nearly two decades after he stepped up for the first time to run for the Florida Senate, Don Gaetz, who served as that body’s president from 2012-14, has announced his intention to seek office once again.

Gaetz, a Niceville Republican who is now 75, said Monday morning that he would be pre-filing the paperwork to formalize his bid to succeed outgoing state Sen. Doug Broxson. He said fellow Republican Frank White, who had long been believed to be the heir apparent to take over the District 1 seat, will withdraw from the race.

A multi-millionaire who made his fortune in the health care business, Gaetz said he is looking forward to a “spirited campaign” for office, though Broxson said it is probably unlikely he will face any serious competition for the seat.

Read the full article. The elder Gaetz has long been accused of essentially buying his son’s seat in the Florida House. In 2013, his health care company settled a Medicare fraud suit with the Justice Department for an undisclosed amount.