Republican Party Chair Bitner Stepping Down

Chairman of Republican Party of Florida resigning due to health concerns

Republican Party of Florida Chairman David Bitner will be stepping down later this month due to health concerns after he was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease, according to News Service Florida.

Bitner, who was elected to the head of the party in January and diagnosed with ALS in April, announced Wednesday that he'll be stepping down on Sept. 23.

"At the time I first discussed my health with you, I also made a promise that I would serve as the Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida only as long as I could do so with all the energy and attention this position deserves," Bitner wrote in a letter to Republican activists. "I have kept that promise, and it has been the honor of a lifetime to serve you and my beloved Florida."

Bitner said he'd been thinking about stepping down for awhile and was forced to announce his decision after "some who had been entrusted with my thoughts about the future shared that information with the media."

Bitner recommended Vice Chairman Lenny Curry as his replacement.

Gov. Rick Scott lauded Bitner's work in the short time he held the position.

"In his short tenure as Chairman of the Republican Party, Dave Bitner has communicated an inspiring vision for Florida Republicans and he has laid the foundation for a successful 2012 election cycle," Scott said. "I embrace that vision and will do all I can to abide by his wishes and help him carry his vision forward."

Bitner is the third chairman in the last two years to leave the position. He took over for Sen. John Thrasher, R-St. Augustine, who was tapped to head the party in 2010 after financial scandals and support for former Gov. Charlie Crist took down former Chairman Jim Greer who has since been charged with trying to defraud the party. Greer denies the charges.

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