[snip]Friends say he wants his voice heard on the national stage. But he's not convinced running for re-election to a Senate where his party is likely to stay in the minority is best for him and his family. [snip] [Wahhhh! I won't be in power!]
Some Democrats want ``ballot insurance'' - at least one candidate filed for the seat along with Graham, not to run against him but to replace him if needed.
Party insiders said the decision has been difficult for Graham. ``He is completely agonizing over it,'' said one state party official who has talked to him.
``He loved being a chief executive, a governor,'' a top national party official said. ``I don't think he's really enjoyed being senator.''[Graham was senator for 3 terms, now he's not in power it's no longer worth it. Oh well, he's got that cushy pension.]
In 2002, Democrats became the Senate minority, which cost Graham the intelligence committee chairmanship that made him a leading voice on terrorism and the Sept. 11 attacks. Majority status makes legislative service more enjoyable, and most experts say odds are against the Democrats retaking Senate control next year.
Still, Democrats say Graham could hold his seat without national party help, increasing its odds of switching enough seats elsewhere - two - to regain control.
The question ``is bigger than Florida politics,'' Maddox said. ``I think the country needs people like him to navigate us through some very troubled waters.''
Meanwhile, Florida awaits his decision. Uh-yeah, we're all on pins and needles.