Argenio to drop out of primary against Negron for Pruitt Senate seat
by Dara Kam | May 28th, 2009Art Argenio is dropping out of an anticipated brutal GOP primary battle against Joe Negron to replace retiring state Sen. Ken Pruitt, according to a source close to the campaigns.
Argenio is expected to make the announcement at a 3 p.m. press conference at St. Lucie County GOP headquarters.
The pair, who both formerly served in the state House, clashed in a bitter special election primary in 1999 (won by Argenio) and another tough primary in 2000 (won by Negron). Democrat Bill Ramos has also opened a campaign and frequent-filing Democrat Stan Smilan has expressed interest.
Argenio would not confirm or deny reports that he will withdraw from the race but deferred to this afternoon’s media availability.
“We’ll be answering all questions then,” Argenio said.
A special June 30 primary and Aug. 4 general election have been scheduled to fill Pruitt’s Treasure Coast-Palm Beach County seat.
Tags: elections, State House, State Senate
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May 28th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
Hey, Art, I never knew you to not try to win (wrestling in high school!)!! From a fellow PVHS grad. Are you ready to rumble!