Former ambassador to Vatican to run for Congress in Fla.

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MIAMI (AP) – A former U.S. ambassador to the Vatican says he’s running for the southwest Florida House seat being vacated by Republican Rep. Curt Clawson.

Francis Rooney announced his plans Monday. He served as ambassador under former President George W. Bush and runs a Naples-based investment firm.

Rooney said in a statement that Washington is broken, and he has the skills and experience needed to challenge the status quo, bring people together and get things done.

Clawson, a freshman lawmaker, announced last week he was not going to seek re-election for Florida’s 19th congressional district.

Rooney is a major fundraiser for the Republican party and backed Jeb Bush’s unsuccessful presidential campaign.

Republican Chauncey Goss, son of former Rep. Porter Goss, is also running for the open seat.

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