ORLANDO, Fla. — U.S. Rep. Bill Posey announced Friday that he is retiring after 16 years in Congress.
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The 76-year-old has held the seat for Florida’s 8th congressional district since 2008.
That district stretches from Vero Beach to Titusville.
Posey told Channel 9 that he is leaving Congress because of “circumstances beyond my control.”
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He has endorsed former Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos -- a fellow Republican who qualified to run for the seat hours before qualifying closed at noon Friday.
“Without going into a lot of personal details, stars aligned during the past week, and Mike decided he was ready for Congress,” Posey said. “I enthusiastically endorse him and will do everything I can to help him get elected.”
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