Crotty Will Not Challenge Grayson

For better or worse: Rep. Alan Grayson's infamous speech, on the House floor, about the Republicans not having a health care plan has strengthened his prospects for re-election. Progressives have shown their support by donating online to Grayson's campaign. Grayson has raised $300,803 and has $193,465 on hand. Republican Rich Crooty has announced he will not challenge Grayson.

Many Republicans had looked at Crotty as one of their best hopes of winning back the U.S. House seat that Grayson, a millionaire lawyer and firebrand Democrat, took from the GOP column last year. Grayson beat four-term Republican Ric Keller and has gone on to attract national attention with his pointed criticisms of Republicans and their health-care policies.

With Crotty's exit, Republicans are waiting to see what former state Sen. Dan Webster will do. The Winter Garden Republican also has been indecisive about a congressional run, but in a brief e-mail to the Orlando Sentinel on Monday, he said he expected to make his intentions known this week.

Florida House Speaker Larry Cretul was another GOP prospect that got cold feet against Grayson. This must be driving Republicans crazy.