There is a primary for the "R" candidate.
Somehow I think it is inappropriate to mention any primary candidate without mentioning all primary candidates.
Others who had considered running are Congressman Dave Weldon, state House Speaker Allen Bense, and longtime state Senator Daniel Webster. All of whom would be more competitive than the current nominee.
I don't think that Mark Foley is the right candidate. His socially liberal views would turn off rural Protestants and Hispanic Catholics. Furthermore, he has skeletons in the closet and has not been discreet regarding his personal life.