Harris raps Nelson's business record during Gainesville walk

The SHT (that's "Sarasota Herald-Tribune") ^ | 4/20/06 | BRENDAN FARRINGTON

[Joe Brower]

Harris raps Nelson's business record during Gainesville walk

BY BRENDAN FARRINGTON THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
4/20/06

GAINESVILLE -- U.S. Rep. Katherine Harris approached two young men preparing to open a gelato cafe and won their support Wednesday by attacking Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson's voting record on small business issues.

As Chino Leong and Joe Kearns, both 23-year-old Democrats, painted the outside of their soon-to-open shop, Harris approached to give them cups of iced tea and talk about the business the recent college graduates plan to open.

She was impressed with their idea to mix gelato -- an Italian-style ice cream -- into lattes. "Wow! I really wish you were already open," she said after they described the drink. Then she turned her focus to Nelson.

"He has a very, very low voting record, under 15 percent, for small businesses. I have 100 percent. We're going to fight to reduce regulatory burden and make sure taxes stay low," she told them. "We're going to get out there and talk to the business community and work hard to make sure small businesses can keep going."

After the Longboat Key Republican left, Kearns said he will probably vote for her.

"She looks pretty good, as long as she's helping out small businesses. We need all the help we can get," Kearns said.

Harris said her figures came from the National Federation of Independent Businesses. Nelson spokesman Dan McLaughlin said it was a bogus claim.

"It's an empty charge from an empty candidate who has absolutely no credibility or ethics," he said in an e-mail. Nelson "has supported full funding for the Small Business Administration and its loan programs; tax credits for small businesses that employ National Guardsmen and offer health insurance to their employees; disaster assistance after the devastating hurricanes in Florida; and, permanent repeal of the estate tax on family farms and small businesses."

Harris did an impromptu walk through the downtown of this predominantly Democratic city, popping into a handful of businesses unannounced. At an earlier stop, she spoke with restaurant manager Diego Ibanez and asked him what she would be able to do for him as a senator. He said he would like businesses to have more protection from frivolous lawsuits.

Afterward, though, Ibanez said he would probably vote for Nelson.

"I've always supported him, but I do want to take a look at both their stances and hear what they have to say," said Ibanez, a Democrat.

Earlier, Harris spoke at a Florida Federation of Republican Women breakfast at a Micanopy bed and breakfast and to a Gator Exchange Club luncheon.

Beth Messal, a member of the club, said she had already planned to vote for Harris, but she was curious to see if she was different in real life than the image she's seen on television and read about in newspapers.

"She's warmer in person and that will get her a long way, especially with women," Messal said. "She's very, very sincere."

[JulieRNR21]

BINGO.....BUMP

[blaquebyrd]

Texas and Louisiana have drilling of their coasts, why shouldn't we? Texas and Louisiana have tourism and businesses, what's the difference? I know--it's the old hypocritical "Not In My Backyard", defense. Florida needs to step up for the good of the country and do it's part. It's the patriotic thing to do. Selfish Floridians who don't want to help the country shouldn't bitch when gas goes through the roof or when we can't get gas for days after the next hurricane.

[mallardx]

Thanks - good reply. I see what you're saying.

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

Wonder if she told them she is pro amnesty. I'll never vote for a candidate who puts Vicente's citizens interests above Americans

(1) She's not pro-amnesty, although her record on immigration overall is mixed

(2) It's still a helluva lot better than Nelson's record

(3) BUT SHE CAN'T WIN! So all of this is moot anyway < /Sarcasm >

[rollo tomasi]

Castro-Cuba/Chavez might drill 45 miles off the coast of Florida but the United States can't drill off of Florida. That is good sound policy alright./s

I hope this question gets asked, but I doubt it due to the fact both Nelson and Harris want America on bended knee in front of OPEC.

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

Here's a link to the bill she cosponsored to create an amnesty for illegal agricultural workers in 2003-2004

Yes, but has the bill become law?

She also voted for or co-sponsored other provisions against illegal immigration as well.

Like I said, her record on immigration is very mediocre, which can be changed through pressure. Nelson doesn't give a feces about phone calls from conservatives and will vote 100% amnesty.

[danamco]

and drilling in the Gulf. Do you know her stance on drilling in the Gulf?




Do you approve of today's gas prices???