[NonValueAdded]

I hppe you are right because I agree with your assessment.

I must also renew my complaint that the Republicans are doing a LOUSY job about developing a pipeline of quality candidates. We make so much fun of the RATs and the nine dwarfs fighting amongst themselves. Well, what is going to happen for 2008? It is going to start day one of Bush's next term. I'm afraid the republican senate race for Graham's seat will be the model.

I don't mean to imply we should have an heir-apparent for each office. The idea that it is person x's turn is what gave us Bob Dole. Still, we need to have a leadership plan where we are cycling people through the right experiences to be ready for the next step. Another term or two for KH and she is ready to take on Nelson when he's up for re-election.

[GraniteStateConservative]

We did have a plan for 2008. It was Steve Largent and he screwed up the plan by losing last year.

[GraniteStateConservative]

We do have Craig Benson in the 2008 pipe line.

[JohnnyZ]

I must also renew my complaint that the Republicans are doing a LOUSY job about developing a pipeline of quality candidates.

I don't know about that. There are several 1st-tier candidates in Florida. Gallagher is set for governor. Brogan opted out of politics. Crist was just elected AG. Feeney just got to Congress. The timing was bad for a few people, that's all. But we still have Mel Martinez, who's an excellent candidate, and Webster or even Byrd would be ok if dead weight McCollum wasn't crowding out their support.

On the national scene, too, there's Frist, Allen, Sanford, Pawlenty, Benson, and maybe a dark horse like Carcieri.

[hoosierpearl]

"I must also renew my complaint that the Republicans are doing a LOUSY job about developing a pipeline of quality candidates."

In many places at many times, your statement would be correct, however not in Florida and not now. Even if Harris does not run, and I believe she won't, there is another candidate. Daniel Webster is running for the senate, he is prepared and developed and qualified and a principled man. He would be even better than Harris or Martinez as far as qualifications go, and has excellent name recognition in the state of Florida.

I don't know why the White House is ignoring his candidacy, he is a good man. I hope Harris does not run as I hate to see two very good candidates competing against each other. I think the biggest mistake is asking Martinez to run in this race.
Karl Rove doesn't always do what is best for the country.

Webster has a website up for his campaign. http://www.websterforsenate.com