In Florida, Martinez Considers Senate Bid

Rothenberg Political Report via PoliticalWire.com ^ | 11/12/2003 | Stuart Rothenberg

[JohnnyZ]

HUD Secretary Mel Martinez "is taking yet another look at a possible Florida Senate run, and the White House seems to be encouraging him to run," according to the Rothenberg Political Report. "Word of Martinez’s interest comes on the heels of apparently inaccurate reports" that Rep. Katherine Harris (R) is likely to announce soon for the Senate. "The freshman Republican told the Report... that that is not the case."

[Clintonfatigued]

I spoke with a South Dakota Republican official today. Word on the inside is, John Thune will make an announcement in late December.

[Pubbie]

"Word on the inside is, John Thune will make an announcement in late December."

Is he in or out???

[Impy]

I think he's the strongest possible candidate.

[Clintonfatigued]

The gentleman I spoke to didn't know which way Thune was leaning. But he knew that Thune's final decision would be announced in late December. I wish I knew more.

[Pubbie]

Thanks.

[votelife]

I used to be from FL. I remember reading that Martinez is strongly pro-life and strongly anti-communism.

[AuH2ORepublican]

"I remember reading that Martinez is strongly pro-life and strongly anti-communism."

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I was certain about the second thing, but had doubts about the first. Thanks for clearing that up for me. That settles it, Mel Martinez is our strongest candidate to take Graham's Senate seat and to make inroads among non-Cuban Hispanics in Florida.