Posted on 06/16/2003 10:56:15 PM PDT by LdSentinal
If state lawmakers vote this week to scrap runoff elections in 2004, the Democratic race to replace Sen. Bob Graham will look a lot more attractive -- and a lot riskier -- to U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings, D-Miramar.
Hastings, one of at least five Democrats pondering a run if Graham gives up his Senate seat to pursue the presidency, believes his chances of winning his party's nomination improve dramatically if he needs only a plurality rather than a majority.
As the only black in the race, Hastings figures he'll start with a strong base of black support. And he believes he'll appeal to other Dems enough to "chip away" at the support of his other potential rivals: U.S. Reps. Peter Deutsch of Pembroke Pines and Allen Boyd of Panama City, Miami-Dade Mayor Alex Penelas and former state Education Commissioner Betty Castor.
The downside for Hastings?
He says he's worried that if he gives up his U.S. House seat, several blacks will try to succeed him, dividing the black vote and allowing a white candidate to win what has been a minority-represented district for the past decade.
"One substantial white candidate with $300,000 or $400,000 could win it," Hastings says.
Hastings mentions at least six black Democrats who might run for his congressional seat if he leaves: state Reps. James Henry "Hank" Harper Jr., D-West Palm Beach, and Christopher Smith, D-Fort Lauderdale; state Sen. Mandy Dawson, D-Fort Lauderdale; Port of Palm Beach Commissioner Wayne Richards and mayors Michael Brown of Riviera Beach and Clarence Anthony of South Bay.
(Excerpt) Read more at palmbeachpost.com ...
Alcee Hastings is our dream candidate!!!
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