Fla. Senator Graham May Not Seek 4th Term (Urging Sucessors to Run)

Newsday ^ | April 22, 2003 | Brent Kallestad

[ewing]

Democratic Presdiential hopeful Bob Graham said Tuesday that he is urging potential successors to start working on their bids to replace him in the United States Senate.

The Flordia lawmaker has not yet ruled out seeking a fourth term next year if his Presidential campaign falters. Still, a handful of state Democrats have express interest in the race and Graham said he has heard from several.

'I have been encouraging them to get organized start forming a campaign and be ready to go,' he said during a campaign appearance.

Graham also told reporters that he expects to formally launch his Presidential campaign in Florida on May 6. The 66 year old Senator had orginally planned to make an offical start February 1 but was delayed by major heart surgery in January and the war against Iraq.

One sign of Senator Grahams increasingly national outllok: he recently stopped wearing his trademark red Flordia ties and has started wearing neckties dotted with American flags.

[ewing]

As we keep the big mo for 2004 moving!

[anniegetyourgun]

Next FL Senator: Al Cardenas (R)

[george wythe]

My humble prediction:
Mark Foley (R-moderate) v. Alex Panelas (D-democrat)

It's going to be bloody, both at the primary level and at the general election.

[TheRedSoxWinThePennant]

kathleen harris has already said she is interested

[ewing]

Would that be a high noon showdown in Flordia or what-- Rep. Katherine 'Don't touch those ballots' Harris vs. Former AG Janet 'Torch em' Reno.

[MainstreamConservative]

As a Florida resident, I can tell you that Graham would be almost unbeatable if he decides to seek a fourth term. He has fooled many people into believing he is a moderate, but he is in reality a liberal. Only Jeb would stand a chance against him.

The two current choices (Mark Foley and Bill McCollum) are not very exciting. Foley is to moderate for my tastes, and McCollum is a proven loser. Maybe Mel Martinez?

[TheRedSoxWinThePennant]

katleen= katherine

[TheRedSoxWinThePennant]

jeb? ping

[ewing]

Would Jeb run or is he going to run for President in 2008, or can he do both?

[ewing]

Mel Martinez would be good as well..

[TheRedSoxWinThePennant]

oh and dont think mcboob wont be interested

[MainstreamConservative]

Jeb's been a great Governor and I'd hate to see him leave office so soon. Having said that, I think he'll run against Bill Nelson in 2006. I just don't see him running for President, mainly because of the "dynasty issue." I could be wrong, though.

[MainstreamConservative]

Given McBoob's embarrassing performance (a 14 point loss to Governor Bush) I think the dem's will think twice about nominating a proven loser. The dem's best candidates would either be Alex Penales (who would eat into the cuban vote) or Rep. Jim Davis (who comes from the central part of Florida, the swing area in Florida)

[3AngelaD]

Ileana?

[ewing]

I've heard Jeb is open to the idea if Condi Rice doesn't beat him to it.. (if she wins Governor of California)

[byteback]

Rush for Senator!!!

[clintonh8r]

A reliable Republican source has told me that Connie Mack is considering running again, believe it or not.

[MainstreamConservative]

PLEASE tell me that is true! If Connie decides to make a comeback, he will win easily. No democrat stands a chance (except Graham).

[MainstreamConservative]

He might.

[clintonh8r]

I have mixed feelings. As far as I'm concerned, Mack's decision not to run in 2000 is ultimately what cost us control of the Senate.