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Harris has been the underdog before ... and won
Sarasota Herald Tribune ^ | 5/22/06 | Jim Brown

Posted on 05/22/2006 2:03:48 PM PDT by dukeman

I usually don't get involved in politics beyond the two passes that mark the limits of Longboat Key, but since she's Longboat's most famous citizen -- at least for now -- I can't resist a thought or two about the trials and troubles of Katherine Harris as she seeks the Republican nomination for U.S. senator.

My initial reaction goes back maybe 100 years -- certainly I've no idea who the first politician was who told reporters, "I don't care what you write about me, just so you spell my name right."

If there's anything to that, Harris is a shoo-in for election.

Seems hardly a day goes by without her name being on Page One or the first local page. One story I noted especially was about problems Gov. Jeb Bush was having. Harris was mentioned in the fifth paragraph. The next mention came in the 15th paragraph. Whose name do you suppose graced the headline?

It's not my purpose here to talk about qualifications to hold office, but let me tell you something: When it comes to running for office, few in this state are her equal. I met her in her first campaign, for state Senate. I was running for the House; so along with a score of other candidates I shared innumerable "candidate fairs" with her.

Her opponent in that primary wasn't just the establishment candidate, he was the establishment. Harris, a total unknown, pounded the pavement, knocked on doors, talked to people -- and won. Her opponent in the general election was the incumbent state senator. She beat him, too.

When she decided to run for state treasurer, she again tackled an incumbent. Again she won.

I know the polls now say U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson is ahead by 30 points. If I had a farm, I'd bet it that he'll be lucky to beat her by 5 -- if he wins.

Like her or hate her, she's a campaigner, and as an underdog she's done nothing but win. My only purpose here is to suggest that anyone in either party who sells her short is making a mistake.


TOPICS: Politics/Elections; US: Florida
KEYWORDS: katherineharris
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Jim Brown is the former mayor of the Town of Longboat Key.
1 posted on 05/22/2006 2:03:50 PM PDT by dukeman
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To: dukeman

I hope she does well.


2 posted on 05/22/2006 2:05:50 PM PDT by JR.Roofing
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To: dukeman
Harris has been the underdog before ... and won...

...An ugly contest

3 posted on 05/22/2006 2:10:28 PM PDT by senorjosef
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To: JR.Roofing

Ditto that


4 posted on 05/22/2006 2:12:59 PM PDT by Tribune7
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To: senorjosef; Admin Moderator

Really?


5 posted on 05/22/2006 2:17:21 PM PDT by carlr
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To: carlr; Admin Moderator

Well she's not that good looking. Neither is Ted K.


6 posted on 05/22/2006 2:18:44 PM PDT by senorjosef
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To: senorjosef

Each to his own.


7 posted on 05/22/2006 2:27:18 PM PDT by JR.Roofing
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To: dukeman
Senator Nelson, along with Senator Mel Martinez, has introduced legislation that will permanently protect Florida from the threat of offshore drilling. By providing a long-term guarantee to keep oil and gas rigs at least 260 miles off Tampa Bay, this bipartisan legislation safeguards Florida's unique environment, the state's tourism-dependent economy and the nation's essential military training ranges in the eastern Gulf of Mexico.

Yeah Bill!

8 posted on 05/22/2006 3:21:02 PM PDT by TheDon (The Democratic Party is the party of TREASON!)
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To: senorjosef

Senor - I must disagree. I think she is an attractive and classy lady. It's a shame the GOP won't offer her more institutional support. She's going to get waxced by that dork Nelson.

Now, if you want to talk about ugly female congress critters - take a gander at my representative - Jean "The Half-Wit" Schmidt. Yikes!


9 posted on 05/22/2006 3:26:35 PM PDT by Buckeye Battle Cry (Life is too short to go through it clenched of sphincter and void of humor - it's okay to laugh.)
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To: JulieRNR21; kinganamort; katherineisgreat; floriduh voter; summer; Goldwater Girl; windchime; ...
Florida Freeper

I'm compiling a list of FReepers interested in Florida-related topics.
If you want to be added, please FReepMail me.

Previous FreeRepublic Katherine Harris threads:

Nelson (D) 60% Harris (R) 33%

Not Her Strong Suit

Harris Gives Gun Publicity Best Shot

Harris shoots, but cameras don't

Three step forward to challenge Harris

Harris Welcomes Senator Martinez's Support, Harris Campaign Also Responds to Close of Filing

Four qualify to challenge Harris in GOP primary

Developer Peter Monroe Challenges Rep. Katherine Harris in GOP Primary

Challenger for Harris still possible

Harris saga points to turmoil within GOP, observers say

GOP can't elude Harris vs. Nelson

Harris Comments on Bense Announcement

Mentor: Bense to face Harris

Bush says Harris can't win

10 posted on 05/23/2006 8:36:38 AM PDT by Joe Brower (The Constitution defines Conservatism. *NRA*)
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To: senorjosef
Well she's not that good looking. Neither is Ted K.




I'm sure that you like more the "feminine" looks of helen thomas, madam "not"-so-bright or hitlery, WOW!!!
11 posted on 05/23/2006 9:29:56 AM PDT by danamco
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To: TheDon
Senator Nelson, along with Senator Mel Martinez, has introduced legislation that will permanently protect Florida from the threat of offshore drilling. By providing a long-term guarantee to keep oil and gas rigs at least 260 miles off Tampa Bay, this bipartisan legislation safeguards Florida's unique environment, the state's tourism-dependent economy and the nation's essential military training ranges in the eastern Gulf of Mexico.




For that ignorance, they and all the others on this bill, should be put in straight jackets and sent off to Gitmo for ever!
Oil rigs do NOT make oil spills, only oil tankers do, when they go a ground, and that is extremely very seldom shipping accidents are happening!! How many oil tankers are rolling over daily on our expressways?
In the small North Sea, with mostly rough waters, there more than 80 big oil rigs close the coast of U.K. Norway, Denmark, Germany and Holland!!!
When did you ever heard of large oil spills there???
12 posted on 05/23/2006 9:45:11 AM PDT by danamco
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To: dukeman

She's had her campaign manager, communications director, chief campaign strategist all resign. Her strategist was Ed Rollins, by the way, who helped get Reagan into office. If these people lose faith in the campaign and the candidate and bail then it's got to be something wrong with the candidate herself. I don't live in Florida and don't know Harris other than by reputation. But obviously her campaign has derailed and I doubt seriously she will be the next senator from Florida, regardless of what Mr. Brown says.


13 posted on 05/23/2006 9:51:53 AM PDT by Non-Sequitur
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To: dukeman

All of that may be true, but it was before she became a national punchline with her Pagliacci makeup job. Though that image is unfair, it stuck. And that's mostly what matters.


14 posted on 05/23/2006 9:54:27 AM PDT by HitmanLV ("5 Minute Penalty for #40, Ann Theresa Calvello!" - RIP 1929-2006)
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To: danamco

Ditto! The "protect the environment" vote in Florida is a sure winner for politicians. Never mind the facts.


15 posted on 05/23/2006 11:56:25 AM PDT by dukeman
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To: Non-Sequitur
Her strategist was Ed Rollins, by the way, who helped get Reagan into office.



PTL that she got rid of him, probably a serious backstabber!??! Conveniently you forgot to mention; that HE also was helping out the clintonians' corruption that the American people suffered for eight (8) devastating years, maybe the worst in American history???
Hmmmm???
16 posted on 05/23/2006 5:57:39 PM PDT by danamco
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To: Buckeye Battle Cry

Don't know you, but I admire Jean Schmidt.


17 posted on 05/24/2006 4:42:14 AM PDT by ClaireSolt (.)
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To: ClaireSolt

Life long Cincinnati east sider (Mariemont,Loveland and now Milford). Long-time active in Clermont County politics (Tom Rodenberg campaigns, Don White campaigns and Rob Portman campaigns. I attended UC with Judge Victor Hadad).

Scmidt made a splash on FR with her dressing down of Murtha.

I, on the other hand, have seen her in action for years. She does not impress me. She's not that bright and gets quite evasive when pressed for details. She was a tax-hiking sycophant of Square Bob Sponge Tax while in Columbus. She runs around with her twin sister doing photo-ops in Marge Schott's hand-me-down clothes. She is in Congress because of her family money and her well organized family.

She is a half-wit and an embarassment. Hopefully now Bob McEwen will get the message and not run again. Tom Brinkman promised Bob he would not run if Bob wanted to run. Tom is a decent and honest conservative. He'd mop the floor with Schmidt in a debate (you know, those campaign events that she refuses to participate in - likely for fear of getting that caught in the headlights look on a complex question. She'd much rather flip pancakes for the cameras)

I repeat, she does not impress me and I suspect that she will make more lame decisions in Washington. Look for her to support a tax hike as soon as the opportunity presents itself.


18 posted on 05/24/2006 6:31:51 PM PDT by Buckeye Battle Cry (Life is too short to go through it clenched of sphincter and void of humor - it's okay to laugh.)
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To: TheDon

Two bozos.


19 posted on 05/24/2006 6:34:36 PM PDT by Unicorn (Too many wimps around.)
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To: dukeman
"I know the polls now say U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson is ahead by 30 points."

That's why this is a wasted opportunity, her running. I saw today that Nelson's approval rating is in the low 40's. Against a good candidate he would be beatable.

20 posted on 05/24/2006 6:35:54 PM PDT by KoRn
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