Miami Herald: FL Democrats lick chops, see GOP weak

As Florida's congressional races officially got underway Friday, Democrats giddy over President Bush's lousy poll numbers set their sights on as many as six Republican House seats.
Democrats also gloated when three political rookies emerged as the only alternatives to Republican U.S. Senate candidate Katherine Harris for the GOP primary. The congresswoman is expected to defeat them in a primary, but even GOP leaders say she can't overcome incumbent Bill Nelson's cushy poll numbers and campaign account.

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In Washington, Sen. Elizabeth Dole, who chairs the National Republican Senatorial Committee, noted at a breakfast before the close of qualifying that there was still time for others to get in the race, suggesting the national party has yet to fully embrace Harris even at this late date. Gov. Jeb Bush and other party leaders urged Florida House Speaker Allan Bense to jump in, to no avail.


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By the close of qualifying Friday, three little-known candidates -- LeRoy Collins Jr., son of former Florida Gov. LeRoy Collins; Peter Monroe, a Pinellas County developer, and Orlando lawyer William McBride -- had filed to challenge Harris.
The GOP debacle over Harris' nomination has further energized Democrats. In addition to Shaw, targets include Mark Foley, of Lake Worth; Ric Keller, of Orlando; and Tom Feeney, of Oviedo. President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney have headlined fundraisers for Shaw, while Cheney also stumped for Keller, a sign the party is taking neither seat for granted.

Democrats are also gunning for open seats now held by Republican U.S. Reps. Mike Bilirakis, who is retiring, and for Harris' Sarasota congressional seat. Even if Democrats don't win these GOP-leaning districts, strategists say fielding strong candidates will boost turnout, benefiting the Democratic ticket for governor and Cabinet.

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Ed Patru, spokesman for the National Republican Congressional Campaign Committee, said....
''They're trying to manufacture momentum in a lot of races, but, ultimately, congressional races depend on the makeup of the district, the strength of candidates, their resources and a winning message,'' Patru said. ``With third- and fourth-tier candidates with no money and no message, that's just a lot of empty rhetoric.'

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