Ex-N.H. Senator [Bob Smith] to Seek Fla. Office

AP via Lycos.com ^ | 12/17/2003

[GeneD]

MIAMI (AP) -- Former New Hampshire Sen. Bob Smith, hoping to represent his newly adopted home state, said Wednesday he plans to seek the seat of retiring Sen. Bob Graham.

Smith, a Republican who moved to Sarasota in May, told The Associated Press that he will formally announce his candidacy next month.

"I'm going to run a campaign which I basically offer my credentials to the people of Florida, my seniority, my experience in the Senate," Smith said. "I want to help President Bush. This is a critical state for the president."

Smith, 62, is a social conservative who frequently has been at odds with the GOP establishment. He quit the party and ran for president in 1999, but rejoined the party a few months later, saying he'd made a mistake.

The two-term senator was defeated in last year's Republican primary by John Sununu. In June he took a job selling high-end waterfront real estate in Longboat Key.

Smith said his campaign will focus on military and veterans affairs, the space industry and protecting areas such as the Florida Everglades.

"I will not be critical of any other person in the race. My view is that I have these credentials that I'd like to offer to the people of Florida and I intend to go all over the state of Florida," Smith said.

Smith is entering a crowded field to replace Graham, a Democrat.

Republicans running or considering a run include former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Mel Martinez, Rep. Katherine Harris, state House Speaker Johnnie Byrd and legal activist Larry Klayman.

Democratic hopefuls include U.S. Reps. Alcee Hastings and Peter Deutsch and Miami-Dade County Mayor Alex Penelas.

[Cicero]

I liked Smith before he went berserk. But I don't see how he can ever recover from his damaging behavior in New Hampshire. We need Florida too badly to mess around with a guy who can't be trusted.

[DM1]

I agree
this is a case of personal ego and avarice getting in the way of progress

[ServesURight]

It was the GOP that abandoned Smith, not the other way.

[tubebender]

Carpet Bagger...

[sinkspur]

Martinez will crush him.

He certainly fancies himself as essential to the political process, doesn't he?

[KantianBurke]

was that before or after he crawled back and begged for his Committe chairmanship?

[Servant of the 9]

We need Florida too badly to mess around with a guy who can't be trusted.

Yes, Smith has become a Hanging Chad.
Maybe he can run as a Dem. this time.

So9

[CounterCounterCulture]

Bob Smith is a good man who went on an ill-advised and desperate campaign for President. I wish him well. Some vindictive "my party or the highway" types will not.

[thoughtomator]

Ditto. Exhibit A of a true conservative being treated like dirt by the GOP.

[icwhatudo]

We need Florida too badly to mess around with a guy who can't be trusted.

Do they mean Smith or the rino?

[Kuksool]

Which party will Bob Smith seek to represent? GOP, Constitution or Libertarian?

[StoneColdGOP]

Got that right.

[Pubbie]

Natural Law.

: D

[deport]

Now isn't this something.... Smith and Klaymer in a race together.....

[Malcolm]

No, it was Smith who abandoned the GOP, then said he'd made a mistake. If you're too intolerant for the GOP, you're too intolerant for anybody.....

[thoughtomator]

I cannot count how many times I have heard that line... from Democrats.

[Finalapproach29er]

Delusions of Granduer?

[Rome2000]

Bob Smith is a good man who went on an ill-advised and desperate campaign for President.

Running for President with no possible chance of winning a single State is a symptom of insanity.

Compound it with this bizarre announcement and theres no doubt that we're dealing with a mental case.

[11th Earl of Mar]

Smith, Buchanan, Dornan.

Three men that blew their chance to ever have credibility.