UPDATE: Drake won't seek 2012 election, endorses Coley

PANAMA CITY — In November, Rep. Jimmy Patronis predicted a legislative session characterized by political infighting, brought on by territorial battles in the redistricting process.

But, one potential battle was resolved this week when Rep. Brad Drake announced he would not seek re-election in 2012 and threw his support behind district newcomer Rep. Marti Coley.

Coley, R-Marianna, was zoned out of District 7, which she has represented since 2005, during the redistricting process that takes place once every 10 years to ensure equal representation following the U.S. Census. Coley’s residence was moved into District 5, which has been represented by Drake since 2008.

By avoiding a contentious primary election, the district has the potential of benefiting from a continuum of experienced, conservative leadership, Drake wrote in a news release.

“I am stepping aside for the next two years because it is in the best interest of our community,” wrote Drake, R-Eucheeanna. “I am confident that Marti Coley can effectively represent our district.”

Coley said she is honored by Drake’s faith in her.

“I am grateful for this opportunity to continue working to get our economy back on track,” she wrote in the release. “I look forward to campaigning hard to earn the voters’ approval for another term in the Florida House.”

If she is re-elected this year, Coley would reach her term limit. Drake said he plans to run for the District 5 seat in 2014.

In the reshuffling, District 7, which had stretched into Okaloosa County, was moved to the south and east and now will include Calhoun, Franklin, Gulf, Jefferson, Lafayette, Liberty, Madison, Taylor and Wakulla counties, along with part of Leon County. District 5 was moved to the south and east, as well, and now covers Washington, Walton, Jackson and Holmes counties and the northern part of Bay County. Rep. Jimmy Patronis’ District 6 moved west and now is located only in Bay County.

“The map is actually what it looked like 20 years ago,” said Patronis, R-Panama City.

Concentrating his district in Bay County will allow him to focus his efforts, Patronis said. While he always has tried to be fair and treat Gulf and Franklin counties the same as Bay County, Patronis said there was a natural tendency to be closer to Bay County because that’s where he lives and knows the most people.

Patronis said he does not think the changes in his district will change his legislative approach and he intends to continue advocating policies that will benefit surrounding counties, as well.

“I represent Bay County, but really I represent Northwest Florida,” he said.

The new district maps, approved by the Senate on Thursday, already have precipitated lawsuits challenging the Republican majority and accusing leaders of gerrymandering to protect and create conservative constituencies. Patronis, however, defended the maps and the leaders charged with their creation.

“I’m incredibly proud of the House maps. They fit all the constitutional requirements,” he said. “Will Weatherford had a tough, incredibly tough, job and he did an outstanding job.”

An earlier version of this story is posted below:

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Rep. Brad Drake (R-Eucheeanna) Thursday announced he will not seek reelection in 2012 and instead threw his support behind Rep. Marti Coley (R-Marianna) for House District 5.

The decision comes as a result of the new redistricting amendments to the Florida Constitution and their impact on the recently finalized district maps, which put Coley and Drake in the same district.

Drake said he plans to run for the seat in 2014. If reelected in 2012, Coley will have reached her term limit.

Guidelines adopted by a super majority of Florida voters changed the legal standards resulting in a record number of incumbents paired in single districts. By avoiding a contentious primary election, the district has the potential of benefiting from a continuum of experienced, conservative leadership.

“I am stepping aside for the next two years because it is in the best interest of our community,” Drake said. “I am confident that Marti Coley can effectively represent our district; she currently represents part of Bay and Walton Counties and a majority of Jackson County. She has overcome incredible adversity and accomplished much for Northwest Florida. I strongly support her reelection to the House of Representatives."

In the interim, Drake said he is looking forward to meeting with constituents and working with community leaders.

"It is my hope that voters will allow me to continue to be their champion for small government and positive economic growth for our wonderful area. Whether as a private citizen or as an elected official, I am committed to fighting for the interests of our region,” Drake said.

Coley said she is honored by Drake's faith in her.

“I am grateful for this opportunity to continue working to get our economy back on track," she said. "I look forward to campaigning hard to earn the voter’s approval for another term in the Florida House.”