House Speaker Marco Rubio's chief of staff abruptly quit Monday, saying he was moving his wife and four children back to their home Citrus County.
But he may be back in Tallahassee soon.
Richard Corcoran, who last worked on legislative campaigns for the state Republican Party before becoming Rubio's chief last year, is planning to run for the state Senate District 3 seat currently held by Nancy Argenziano.
The district is one of Florida's largest, geographically, reaching from Crystal River in Citrus County up to Leon and over almost to Jacksonville.
Argenziano won the seat in 2002 after re-districting and can run again in 2008, but may leave sooner if she's named to sit on the Public Service Commission. Last week, she advanced to the round of 12 contenders for two PSC vacancies, and is thought to be one of Gov. Charlie Crist's favorites for the post.
Corcoran's resignation letter released late Monday says he is returning to Citrus County to practice law, but Rubio's statement adds: "If he chooses to run for the state Senate, I believe he will serve his constituents with the same thoughtful and energetic focus that has made his work in the House so valuable."
Deputy chief of staff Bob Ward, who was former House Speaker Allan Bense's No. 1, will move up to replace Corcoran.