Democrats likely won't target Trey Radel in U.S. House race

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Florida Democrats are confident they can win the White House.

They think they can unseat Gov. Rick Scott in 2014.

They even believe there's a chance they can roll back the Republican majority in the state Legislature.

And as for U.S. House District 19? Not so much.

State Democratic Party Chairman Rod Smith said he doesn't foresee the party putting money into the race that pits Democrat Jim Roach against Republican nominee Trey Radel and an independent candidate.

The seat is vacant, with incumbent U.S. Rep. Connie Mack, R-Fort Myers, opting to challenge Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson.

"I know right now it's not a targeted seat," Smith said.

The Democrats are focusing on about five Florida seats they believe they can wrest from Republicans in the fall.

Among them is the new seat being sought by tea party favorite Allen West. But what is commonly referred to as "the Mack seat" in Republican-rich Collier and Lee counties isn't on the list.

Smith hedged, though, pointing out that the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee could decide to help Roach.

"The DCCC is kind of in charge of that," Smith said.