Pollster and longtime Mike Haridopolos adviser is leaving Haridopolos’ U.S. Senate campaign for unknown reasons, according to news reports.
Pat Bainter plans to work on getting Republicans elected to the Legislature in 2012, the St. Pete Times reported. The Times also reported that Senate President-designate Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, who will be in charge of GOP legislative races in the cycle, was unaware of that Bainter would be working as a full-time consultant for the upcoming 2012 races.
The Times’ Buzz Blog also reported that Tim Baker, Haridopolos’ campaign manager, plans to leave the campaign.
In a written statement, Haridopolos suggested that the departures were no big deal. Haridopolos said he and Bainter remain “longtime” friends, the Miami Herald reported.
“As a proud member of the Florida GOP and a state Senator, I know how important the 2012 elections are for state Senate campaigns and quite frankly Pat is the best at what he does,” Haridopolos said, “and I know that his talent and expertise are needed to ensure that Republicans maintain and grow their majorities in the Florida Legislature.”
Haridopolos has also seen a drop off in campaign contributions, the majority of which have come from lobbyists and people wanting to do business with the state.
