Kendrick Meek had heavily touted his hiring of former senior Barack Obama strategist Steve Hildebrand to help lead his U.S. Senate campaign. But now Hildrebrand is off the campaign.

"Hildebrand Strategies was contracted to draft and implement the initial phase of a robust field plan which was successfully accomplished with the launch of the campaign's history making petition drive," said Ana Cruz, a senior Meek adviser. "That petition plan drafted by Hildebrand Strategies is now being implemented by the campaign's staff and network of volunteers and grass roots activists with petitions being submitted from each of Florida's 67 counties."

Look for some campaign staff announcements soon.

Beth Reinhard

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