Former secretary of state Katherine Harris ponders U.S. Senate

The Sun-Sentinel ^ | November 7, 2003 | By Mark Silva

[Tank-FL]

U.S. Rep Katherine Harris -- whose role as Florida's Secretary of State during the 2000 presidential election made her a hero to Republicans and a villain to Democrats -- said Thursday she is "seriously" considering running for Florida's open U.S. Senate seat next year.

A lightning rod for controversy, Harris' ruling helped end a recount during the closest election in Florida history and secured a 537-vote victory for George W. Bush. The international notoriety gained from the 36-day battle could instantly propel Harris to the role of Republican front-runner in the bid to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Bob Graham.

"I'm still testing our temperature," Harris said, calling it a tough choice for her and her family. "My husband and I will seriously consider this and give it some thought. Yes, we will. ... My whole family will."

With her name, political and family history in Florida and ability to raise money nationally, Harris could leapfrog any of the Republicans running or considering running for a seat that could help decide which party controls Congress. She would also provide a ready target for Democrats eager to avenge Al Gore's 2000 loss. "She would automatically become the Republican front-runner," said Dario Moreno, political scientist at Florida International University.

"In a general election, she'll be a polarizing figure," Moreno said. "Whether you love her or hate her, she became the symbol for the 2000 election debacle. ... In a way, I think the Democrats would almost love to run against her."

[Tank-FL]

I could vote for this Lady.

[billorites]

Wouldn't that be a slap in the face of the Democrats nationally and in Florida?

[Pan_Yans Wife]

Shouldn't her title be "current Florida congresswoman", not "former sec. of state"?

[RedBloodedAmerican]

I'll vote for her. And her path will be that much easier once they find Graham wrote the "Memo of Treason" recently.

[Sunshine Sister]

Didn't she turn out to be a RINO? Correct me if I'm wrong, but there is some little memory that I can't put my finger on that showed her true colors. What was it?

[RedBloodedAmerican]

Her running would definitely raise the spurs on she-man Reno. I'd love to see the race.

[RedBloodedAmerican]

She shops at Wal-Mart, maybe?

[ClintonBeGone]

Ditto that. She would lock this seat up. Some say she's liberal, but I'll take ANY republican that's been subject to the fire that she has. She NEVER folded under the heat.

[ClintonBeGone]

Didn't she turn out to be a RINO?

Certainly not during the election recount. That woman - a devout Christian - stood her ground during her most isolated moments. Always, always take the politician who's survived such controversy over one who hasn't. They're tempered and know who brought them to the party.

[EllaMinnow]

Who says she's a liberal? Why would anyone think that?

[ClintonBeGone]

Who says she's a liberal? Why would anyone think that?

Sunshine Sister in post #5

[livius]

We have a couple of good people here. Johnnie Byrd, currently Speaker of the Florida House, is also going to run. I heard him speak at an event last night, and he's very good. He's low-key, but seems to be able to get things done and round up the state Representatives so they actually take action on things.

Suddenly, Florida has a couple of really good contenders!

[EllaMinnow]

I agree with your #9 completely.

[donozark]

Any idea where she is on RKBA? My understanding (IIRC) was that she was seen in a favorable light by gun-owners? Just curious...

[TexasTransplant]

And as a Bonus she is very easy on the eyes.

[shiva]

Correct me if I'm wrong

You're wrong

[EllaMinnow]

I've never heard anyone say that she's a RINO. Can you remember what you heard?

I've known her since 1998, and she is one of the most courageous and gracious people I've ever had the honor to meet.

[KantianBurke]

she was a driving factor behind a minority home owner bill which basically gives takes our tax dollars and gives them to persons of color who are too inept to get a house themselves. Robbing the producers to give something for nothing to the lazy. Other than that I'm not sure.

[NicknamedBob]

"I'm still testing our temperature," Harris said, calling it a tough choice for her and her family."

You go, girl!

[NicknamedBob]

"...persons of color who are too inept to get a house themselves..."

Ouch! I may not agree with what you say, but I'll defend your right to die saying it.