Tampabay.com
AUGUST 19, 2009

Mike Bilirakis would serve in U.S. Senate if asked

Bilirakis-lrg Despite a Facebook page and other efforts to draft former Congressman Mike Bilirakis for the vacant Senate seat, Gov. Charlie Crist has not come calling.

Bilirakis, whose son Gus took his seat in 2006, said he is enjoying life away from Washington but would serve if offered the position. "It would be a public service, a sense of duty."

He said he was surprised and disappointed that Mel Martinez resigned before his term expires in 2010. "I'm not happy about it. It's quitting in the middle of the game."

Martinez may have been in the minority, but his exodus leaves the state with even less clout, Bilirakis said. "The more seniority Florida has in Congress, the better it is for the public."

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