CLEARWATER - After months of suggesting she would seek this year's open U.S. Senate seat, Pinellas Commissioner Barbara Sheen Todd decided Thursday that she won't run after all.
Todd, a Republican and longtime county commissioner, said she will not join the crowded field of candidates vying for U.S. Senator Bob Graham's seat.
Her late start, little campaign money and the unexpected competition from former U.S. Housing Secretary Mel Martinez were all factors.
"I really wanted to run," Todd said. "But when I begin to assess all of the things going on, I determined it would be best not to, so I won't."
Todd hinted last summer she would run and in October filed papers to raise money.
In December, as word spread of Martinez's interest, Todd's supporters began advising her not to run.
Todd hoped to raise $2.5-million, she said, but pledges totaled only $1.5-million. Her campaign reports show no contributions.
Last week Martinez raised $250,000 at a fundraiser featuring 11 Republican U.S. senators and a platoon of Washington lobbyists.
"It's apparent there are some things in the making that we didn't anticipate," Todd said. "So I will do what I can to support my party and my president."
