Ex-N.H. Sen. Smith to seek Graham's seat

AP | 12/18/03 | KEN THOMAS

[kattracks]

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 he will formally announce his candidacy next month. If elected, he would become the first U.S. senator in more than 120 years to have represented more than one state.

"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. Rep. Peter Deutsch, Miami-Dade County Mayor Alex Penelas and former education commissioner Betty Castor.

Only two senators have served more than one state. Sen. James Shields represented Illinois, Minnesota and Missouri between 1849 and 1879, and Sen. Waitman Thomas Willey served Virginia and West Virginia between 1861 and 1871.

Analysts, however, said it will be tough for Smith to win because he is a relatively unknown newcomer in a large state.

"I think he's a long shot, but in a crowded field ... stranger things have happened," said Susan MacManus, a political scientist at the University of South Florida.

[MEG33]

I think Smith can just muddy the waters.

[Fledermaus]

I guess Smith wants to be run out of two states now.

[Republican Wildcat]

This guy continues to be embarrassing. I mean, is this not a joke?

[jagrmeister]

Smith is a sure loser who's wasting everyone's time with this useless candidacy. He can't win a moderate state and Republicans don't care for him since he abandoned the party (only to return shortly thereafter).

[BCrago66]

With the one exception of Barbara Boxer, Smith was the dumbest person ever in the Senate.

[Republican Wildcat]

Well, Klayman does save him from being the oddball in the race, I suppose.

[Fledermaus]

Yep...his Presidential campaign, quitting the GOP, begging to get back in, begging the RNC to "stop" Sununnu...what an ego.

His principles were for sale to the highest bidder. He talked but never walked.

[Lancey Howard]

[sd-joe]

I like horses.

[HitmanLV]

Milk does a body good.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Urgent: someone should tell Congresswoman Katherine Harris that Carly Simon has hijacked her horse!

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Bob, one word: go away and STFU. Uh, ok, I guess that was more than one word. But you get the idea.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

[Just wanted to clarify that my previous reply was directed toward Smith, and not to my esteemed fellow FReeper kattracks!]

[Brilliant]

Tell him to run as a Democrat.

[politicalwit]

It's simply wonderful how you so-called Republicans bash one of the most conservative individuals to ever serve the House and Senate. I'd rather have Bob Smith represent me as a Constitutionalist or an Independent than any of the elected pseudo-republicans currently serving in the Senate. Bob Smith is a true conservative. Sure, he ran for President...did it ever occur to any of you he was sending a message to the Republican Party and the (lack of) Republican leadership?

My only problem with Bob Smith is that he's once again associating his name with the party that has given us the "Patriot Act" and the largest new entitlement program in 40 years. How long will it be before we have amnesty for the flow of illegals and gay marriages nationwide? Republicans? What a joke!

[jmaroneps37]

Gives new meaning to "carpet bagger" in this case he'd be wearing the carpet on his head.

[jmcclain19]

ping

[Keyes2000mt]

Smith is a great man and would be a great senator again. God Bless him.