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Clary quitting CFO race, backing Lee
By Times Staff
Published September 13, 2005
TALLAHASSEE - Republican Sen. Charlie Clary said Monday he is withdrawing from the statewide race to be Florida's next chief financial officer and endorsed Senate President Tom Lee for the job.
Clary, an architect from Destin who is a close friend and political ally of Lee, has been expected to drop out since before last month, when Lee, R-Brandon, announced he would pursue the office, which oversees the state's treasury and writes its checks.
Clary said Monday he waited to announce his withdrawal until he and Lee could appear together. The pair had a news conference Monday.
When Lee called Clary in June to say he was considering the race, "It was sort of an answer to my prayer in terms that it would be an appropriate reason to get out," Clary said. "I was waiting to make sure there was an appropriate person in the race before I got out."
Besides Lee, Rep. Randy Johnson of Celebration is seeking the Republican nomination. Miami tax attorney Eric Copeland and retired banker Adelaide "Alex" Sink of Thonotosassa are vying for the Democratic nod.
[Last modified September 13, 2005, 01:45:22]
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