Posted on 10/11/2005 7:39:17 PM PDT by nypokerface
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Former U.S. Rep. Bill McCollum, who has lost two straight U.S. Senate campaigns, said Tuesday he would enter a crowded Republican primary for attorney general.
McCollum received national attention in 1998 as one of the House managers who prosecuted President Clinton during his impeachment. He spent 20 years in Congress.
The name recognition he's built through the two previous statewide campaigns should make him the GOP front-runner to succeed Attorney General Charlie Crist, who is running for governor.
"It's a responsibility that I feel to my children and my grandchildren and to the state: If I can be in a leadership role, I'd like to be," said McCollum, who is considered a solid conservative.
He said he would make a formal announcement by the end of the year.
Other Republicans in the race include state Sen. Burt Saunders, and state Reps. Everett Rice and Joe Negron. So far the only Democratic candidate is state Sen. Skip Campbell.
McCollum ran for the Senate in 2000, but was defeated in the general election by Democrat Bill Nelson. He then lost in the 2004 Republican primary for the seat vacated by the retiring Bob Graham.
Geoffry Figer has announced that he intends to run for AG here in Michigan. Personally I think his chances are slim to none.
McCollum would be a good choice.
Bill is a good guy and very a competent dedicated public official.
This is a good man. His presence on the ticket will draw out more conservatives and help the whole team.
On the other hand, if someone really does feel called to public service it may not matter what office exactly, so it makes sense to run a few times until elected.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.