Rep. Connie Mack, R-Naples, appears to be preparing for a U.S. Senate run in 2012 — though he doesn’t outright say it, only referring to his “next opportunity” and attacking his potential Democratic opponent while asking donors for up to $125,000 in an email obtained by Politico:

“My message to the professional politicians like Senator Bill Nelson is the government gravy train is over. When you took the point in supporting Obamacare, that was wrong. When you voted enthusiastically for the pork-packed stimulus plan, that was foolish,” Mack writes, in the first of two references to the incumbent Democrat.

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“Your Friends of Connie Mack contribution of at least $250 will activate your membership card, get us to our $125,000 and ensure that when our next opportunity comes, we’ll be ready,” Mack writes. “I am asking you to make the contribution now so that we’ll have the financial resources to be ready for the next big campaign.”

State Senate President Mike Haridopolos is the only candidate to officially announce a challenge to Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson, who is running for a third term. Former U.S. Sen. George LeMieux and former state Rep. Adam Hasner are also considering runs in 2012, making for a crowded primary field with no clear frontrunner.

Luke Johnson reports on Florida for The American Independent.