Rep. Corrine Brown passes on Senate bid

Rep. Corrine Brown (D-Fla.) announced Friday that she will run for reelection rather than challenging Rep. Kendrick Meek (D-Fla.) in her state's Senate primary.

Brown was not seen as much of a threat to Meek, but her exit will allow him to focus his resources more on a general election with Gov. Charlie Crist (R), the likely GOP nominee who has proven himself to be a fundraising stud.

Brown, who formed an exploratory committee for Senate and raised a few hundred thousand dollars, told the Miami Herald: "In these difficult times, I can use my position in the House to do even more to help my constituents.

Meek welcomed the news.

"Congresswoman Corrine Brown is an effective congressional chairwoman working to improve the economy for the people she represents in Florida's 3rd Congressional District," Meek said in a statement. "The chairwoman's decision to run for re-election ensures her constituents will be represented by a leader who is a fierce advocate for their future.

Meek still faces a primary with former Miami Mayor Maurice Ferre and North Miami Mayor Kevin Burns, but Brown was seen as his most formidable potential foe.