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.
I hope she does well.
...An ugly contest
Ditto that
Really?
Well she's not that good looking. Neither is Ted K.
Each to his own.
Yeah Bill!
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!
Previous FreeRepublic Katherine Harris threads:
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
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.
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.
Ditto! The "protect the environment" vote in Florida is a sure winner for politicians. Never mind the facts.
Don't know you, but I admire Jean Schmidt.
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.
Two bozos.
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.
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