Senate Bid Predicted for Drug Prosecutor
U.S. Atty. Robert W. Merkle, who has symbolized the Reagan Administration’s drug-busting efforts, will resign to run for the U.S. Senate in Florida, sources said Saturday.
He is expected to declare his candidacy Monday for the Republican nomination to run for the seat being vacated by Sen. Lawton Chiles (D-Fla.), the sources said.
Merkle has been U.S. attorney for the middle district of Florida, based in Tampa. His credits include the conviction of the Colombian cocaine supplier Carlos Lehder and the indictment of Panamanian strongman Manuel A. Noriega.
Merkle informed Atty. Gen. Edwin Meese III of his decision to resign at a meeting Saturday in Washington, the sources said.
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