Tampabay.com
AUGUST 24, 2009

Bill Young takes his name out of Senate mix

We should have known when U.S. Rep. C.W. Bill Young showed up to his interview with Charlie Crist inBillyoung tennis shoes and an untucked polo shirt. He won't be applying to fill Mel Martinez's unexpired term.

"I have the best job in the world now, and I work for the best people in the world. I would not want to leave in the middle of a term. I'm not a quitter," said Young, 78, who has been Crist's congressman for most oif the governor's life. "Truth of the mattter is I can do far more for Florida and Pinellas county where I am than if I took a different job."

Young would not say whether he will run for another term - his 21st. But he said Crist should pick someone who closely reflects himself. All the remaining nine names on the list are good ones, Young said, but Washington experience would be a plus as it could take a Washington newcomer 16 months just to find their way around.

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