TREASURE ISLAND -- Democrat Max Linn, a multimillionaire former
financial planner from Treasure Island, announced today he is
suspending his campaign for the House seat of Rep. C.W. Bill Young.

The announcement came as news to Linn's Democratic opponents, Samm
Simpson and Bob Hackworth. In a statement, Linn said he would work to
elect U.S. Sen. Barack Obama because the impact of a Democrat as
president would be greater than another Democrat in Congress.

"Bill Young’s days in office are numbered and I hope we have
a strong nominee here in the 10^th District, whether it’s Samm Simpson
or Mayor Hackworth. I look forward to
working with either of them as they strive to defeat Bill Young in November," Linn said in the statement. "

Some people run for public office for their own advancement
but my goal has always been to do what best serves the community we all share. That’s why I am dedicated to doing everything
in my power to ensure that Florida is a blue state and Senator Barack Obama is our next President."

When asked if they would seek Linn's endorsement, Hackworth and Simpson said they would like his support.

Simpson, a Dunedin activist who won 34 percent of the vote when she
challenged Young in 2006, said she didn't learn of Linn's decision
until today.

"I wish Max the best. He made the race fun," Simpson said in an
e-mailed statement. "I look forward to winning the August primary and
taking the voice of the people to Washington in November."

Hackworth, the mayor of Dunedin, said Linn's departure doesn't
change his argument for why voters should choose him. But he said it
makes his campaign easier, because Linn brought more money to his
campaign than Hackworth could ever match. According to the Federal
Election Commission, Linn has donated about $170,000 to his campaign.

"I still continue to believe that I was always the best
choice to take on Mr. Young in the fall and also to replace Mr. Young in the
fall," Hackworth said. "It doesn’t change that at all."

--Stephanie Garry, Times Staff Writer