Yesterday former North Miami Mayor Kevin Burns dropped out of the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate, announcing that he will now run for the state senate seat being vacated by Democrat Dan Gelber. In a statement, Burns said,
"I chose public service to make a difference, locally, in my community, and I believe I have done that. I'm making the switch to the State Senate race because I believe it is the way for me to continue to make a difference, here in my community, in Tallahassee and for all the people of Florida."
Burns was never to gain any traction in his campaign, as front-runner Kendrick Meek quickly swooped up major endorsements and big campaign contributions. Originally Gelber was also in the race, before he switched to run for Attorney General.
Burns is openly gay, something he talked to CL last year in a profile we wrote about him. Of his Senate run, which again never really got off the ground, he said yesterday,
"I don't regret a single day of it, I got to travel all over this state, visiting more than fifty counties, meeting and listening to Floridians from all walks of life. I learned a great deal about the people of this state and about myself. I believe the experience will make me a better State Senator and a better person."