Connie Mack (R-FL) is trying to move from the US House of Representatives to the US Senate, taking on incumbent Bill Nelson (D-FL). WFSX-FM morning man/conservative talker Trey Radel has announced that he will be trying to win the seat Mack is abandoning. He has already exited the station.
WFSX, known locally as 92.5 Fox News, is owned by Meridian Broadcasting. Radel hosts “Daybreak” and has already been replaced by Drew Steele. According to local reports, Meridian is not reserving the post for Radel.
Radel has worked in both radio and television, and owned his own company called Trey Communications LLC, which he described as a media relations company that furthers conservative causes.
“I have fought for and will continue to fight for lower taxes, less government and more freedom,” said Radel. “In 2012, it’s time to put more fiscal conservatives, non-career politicians into Congress. We need to also take back the Senate and White House. Together, let’s get the job done.”
A broadcast air personality who becomes a candidate for office poses major problems for the station, which can expect to be asked for equal airtime by opposing candidates. Occasionally presumptive candidates will delay making a formal announcement to stay on air as long as possible, but once a campaign becomes official, it’s time to sign off.
RBR-TVBR observation: You have to hand it to Radel for making this run without the safety net of a job waiting at the other end if it’s unsuccessful. According to reports, there are at least five other Republicans in the mix for this seat, not to mention Democratic opposition in November.
