And interviews with state Republicans suggest that no one had much of an idea about a more attractive alternative to replace him.

The episode became a major embarrassment for state Republicans.

Ironically, like most blue state Republicans, Christie cannot run because he'd rather see the government butt out of peoples' private lives.

This time, she will likely face only minimal opposition, with state Republicans struggling to unite behind a candidate to run against her.

But he is denounced by longtime allies who blame him for the state Republicans' collapse in last fall's election.

Also this afternoon, the state Republican and Democratic leaders squared off as though it were high campaign season.

Hundreds of people, knowing that state Republicans have urged him to not seek a second term, gathered to hear his decision.

Democrats are making inroads in Florida, a state Republicans never expected they would have to vigorously defend.

He was promptly denounced by current state Republicans as out of step.

But he benefited from a redistricting deal with state Republicans.