H.U.D. Secretary Weighs Senate Race (FL-Martinez)

http://www.politics1.com/

H.U.D. SECRETARY WEIGHS SENATE RACE. When White House leaders initially approached US Housing Secretary Mel Martinez (R-FL) months ago and asked him to enter the 2004 US Senate race for the seat currently held by Bob Graham (D), he quickly said no. He made it clear he was much more interested in running for Governor in 2006. Since then -- and since Graham announced his retirement a week ago -- Martinez appears to be changing his mind. Martinez, who was a banker and the elected Orange County Commission President before going to Washington two years ago, has reportedly been making phone calls this week to key GOP leaders in DC and Florida to guage for a possible race. He is reportedly a favorite for the seat of Bush Administration political strategists. Four Democrats and six Republicans have already announced candidacies for the Senate seat. Meanwhile, Congresswoman Katherine Harris (R) denied news reports she was about the enter to Senate race this week. She said Wednesday that she is still in the early part of her deliberation process.

This is bad news. Harris out and Martinez in? We go from an easy win to a "leans takeover" rating. We're back to looking at a multi-seat loss in the Senate (worst-case: We lose five seats and pick up one)

Takes the I-4 corridor,the cuban vote,southwest FL and the GOP panhandle/North.

We'd hafta run Jesus or Santa to beat him.

to support him if it comes to this!

:dem:

Is he a RINO?

I have a Santa suit I can loan our candidate if (s)he needs it. I doubt Jesus is available.

This is really bad news. These things have momentum to them. If, aproaching E-day, the news is all about how we are behind in NC,SC,GA,FL,LA(Breaux??? help!), then we are going to lose ground in Alaska and, possibly, South Dakota. As well as any of the first five that are "close".

See http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=216679

I'm locking this thread. Interested DUers are welcome to continue discussing this in the referenced thread.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation,
TahitiNut - DU moderator