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Patterson Pulls Out, No Primary for State CFO

Posted by Austin Cassidy • June 18, 2010 • Jacksonville Observer

Republican Pat Patterson, a DeLand insurance agent and Florida State Representative, has decided not to qualify in the race for State CFO.

Patterson had been listed as an active candidate until earlier today, when he pulled him name from the race.  He would have faced Senate President Jeff Atwater in an August 24 primary.  Now Atwater will advance unchallenged to the November general election where he will square-off with Democratic State Representative Loranne Ausley.

Patterson had been vastly outraised by Atwater and would have had a hard time mounting a serious challenge.  Instead, Patterson has told media that he will now focus on running for the State Senate in 2012.

“Jeff Atwater will represent us well as the Republican nominee for Chief Financial Officer,” said Patterson in a statement his campaign released. “I wish him success in the upcoming November General Election.”

Pat Patterson Pulls Out of GOP CFO Contest, Backs Atwater and Plans to Run for State Senate in 2012

Kevin Derby's blog | Posted: June 18, 2010 1:07 PM - Sunshine State News

Rep. Pat Patterson, R-DeLand, a veteran of the House, pulled out of the contest for the Republican nomination for state CFO and turned his focus to running for the Senate seat currently occupied by Sen. Carey Baker, R-Eustis, that comes up in 2012.

“I have notified the Division of Elections that I would be switching over,” said Patterson on Friday.

Patterson gave a warm endorsement to Senate President Jeff Atwater, R-North Palm Beach, his chief Republican rival in the CFO race.

“Jeff Atwater will represent us well as the Republican nominee for chief financial officer,” said Patterson in a statement his campaign released. “I wish him success in the upcoming November general election.”