I'm with you, Ladysmith. This woman has used her own money, and did not cave to the NRCC. Love to see her win!
Posted on 11/04/2006 8:09:47 AM PST by dukeman
Even critics are impressed with her debate performances, but experts say it's just too late
ORLANDO -- Virtually out of money, abandoned by state Republican leaders and ridiculed by her detractors, Rep. Katherine Harris is refusing to fade into the background in the final days of her U.S. Senate bid.
Instead, she is becoming more visible, scheduling one of her busiest series of public appearances in weeks and advertising on television for the first time in months.
Even Harris' critics say she has surprised them in her two debates against Sen. Bill Nelson, avoiding the gaffes that have dogged her in the past and showing a greater command of the issues.
"It was somewhat of a success for her," said her former spokesman Chris Ingram, who was one of several campaign staffers to quit the campaign during its struggles. "She did really well for Katherine."
If Harris had presented the public image voters saw in the final debate Wednesday, it is likely some staffers would not have bailed on her, Ingram said.
But most political analysts said Harris' efforts are too little, too late. She trails Nelson by as much as 30 points in the latest polls.
"There's no reason to think she can turn it around," said Nathan Gonzales, political editor of the nonpartisan Rothenberg Report.
"A large majority of voters in Florida have made up their mind about Katherine Harris. There's nothing she can do."
Jim Dornan, Harris' former campaign manager, who was part of a wave of staffers who quit a year ago, agreed that Harris has wasted too much time and needed to focus on rallying independent voters months ago.
"She's begun to get her campaign together, but it's entirely too late," he said.
But political experts said Harris probably won some votes Wednesday in the last of two debates with Nelson.
Seated across from Nelson at a table, Harris challenged Nelson's voting record on tax increases and defended her proposal to dismantle the federal income tax in favor of a national sales tax.
When NBC host and moderator Tim Russert cited studies that say the plan only benefit the rich, Harris rebutted him, citing facts and figures that previously she has struggled to articulate.
"If only she could rewind the clock about eight months," said Aubrey Jewett, assistant professor of political science at the University of Central Florida, who attended the debate Wednesday.
Ingram, her former campaign spokesman, said Harris appeared more viable in the debates than the caricature trumpeted by her critics.
"To a less-informed voter, she probably came across certainly much better," Ingram said. "She didn't trip over herself and create new problems."
Harris' new strategy for the last five days of campaigning is to take her message to public forums for the first time in weeks.
After stumping at church gatherings and other events closed to the media, Harris plans to wave signs and shake hands on a college campus and a downtown business area in Lakeland today.
On Saturday, she plans to attend a Clearwater gun show and a "Harris for Senate" rally at Sumter County's GOP headquarters.
At the same time, Harris seems to be preparing her supporters for defeat.
She confirmed on Wednesday that she is writing a "tell-all" book about the conspiracy to undermine her Senate bid.
While she would not go into detail, Harris has said for months she has copies of former staffers' e-mails that prove they were working against her and for the competition.
"You'll just have to wait and see," she said, when asked about the book after Wednesday's debate.
But Ingram, who worked for Harris from April to July, said he saw no evidence of a conspiracy, even though he said Harris instructed him to help search for incriminating e-mails.
He noted the numerous staffers who bailed on Harris' campaign earlier this year are all die-hard Republicans who wouldn't work for a Democrat behind her back.
"It's just typical Katherine, playing the victim," Ingram said.
"Katherine, say whatever you want, I could care less. No one's interested. No one cares."
Just bringing up the book could be a mistake, because it reminds voters of the "soap opera" that has been surrounding Harris for months, Jewett said.
"It's a distraction," he said.
a woman with brains, courage, principles and beauty.
the perfect combination.
Totally worth repeating.
I was being sarcastic. Breasts/cleavage only help to sell hot wings and cars.
From 'Airplane':
No wonder you're upset. She's lovely. And a darling figure... supple, pouting breasts... firm thighs. It's a shame you two don't get along.
"I would love for Harris to win so she can shove her victory down the throats of the liberal FL MSM who has bashed her non-stop, the GOP elites who stabbed her in the back, and the FReeper hypocrites who scream about "GET OUT, GET OUT AND VOTE REPUBLICAN! WE MUST SUPPORT REPUBLICANS AT ALL COSTS!" but doesn't want it to apply REAL Republicans such as Harris. The abuse this woman has taken on this Forum is mind-boggling, and almost caused me to quit FR in disgust.
Totally worth repeating."
And Repeating again!
Me too!
Booze. Don't forget booze.
Time for the horse pic.
Where's the pics?
I'm with you, Ladysmith. This woman has used her own money, and did not cave to the NRCC. Love to see her win!
"A large majority of voters in Florida have made up their mind about Katherine Harris."
Yes, and voted FOR her.
So does hillary - but we sure don't want to see 'em...!
Seriously, you all are starting to assemble a Frankenwoman with boobs and balls!!
LOLOL
I'm definately voting for the ta-ta's.....Just kidding. I'm voting for her BECAUSE of what the "Democrats Lite" did to her.
Hmmm, maybe the venomous old bats in the Republican social clubs are just jealous!
I voted Harris and all Rs.
Katherine Harris, looking her best before an encounter with the press.
I'm voting for her Tuesday! I don't trust the early voting in Florida. Lot of things already gone missing already. The poll workers in my district are little beyond retirement. At least on Tuesday there will be more volunteers and watchdogs.
The thing is she DIDN'T "do a favor" for Republicans. She FOLLOWED THE LAW! I'm so sick of that fact being twisted.
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