State Rep. Joe Negron said the exit of Naples state Sen. Burt Saunders from the state attorney general's race, formally announced about 3:15 p.m. Wednesday, "is going to help me enhance my base in Southwest Florida."

Negron and Rep. Everett Rice both are trying to best former U.S. Rep. Bill McCollum, the presumed frontrunner, for the GOP nomination.

Meanwhile, Saunders' formal statement Wednesday endorsed none of his formal opponents, but it did endorse a gubernatorial candidate: "I have devoted my entire public service career to protecting Florida and our citizens. I entered the race for Attorney General to continue my lifelong fight against crime and violence and to further improve Florida's quality of life.

"After a great deal of consideration, I have concluded that I can best serve the citizens of Florida by remaining in the Florida Senate through November 2008. As of today, I will cease my Attorney General effort and campaign to elect Attorney General Charlie Crist as Florida's next governor."