Rep. Foley Reportedly to Drop Senate Bid (Florida)

The Associated Press ^ | 9/4/03 | David Espo

[LdSentinal]

WASHINGTON - Rep. Mark Foley intends to drop out of the race for the Republican Senate nomination from Florida for family reasons and will instead seek re-election to the House, party sources said Thursday night.

These sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the lawmaker was expected to announce his plans within a day or two.

Foley's spokesman could not be reached for comment.

Foley, first elected to Congress in 1994, has had his sights set for months on the seat held by Democratic presidential hopeful Bob Graham, who has not said whether he will seek a new term in Congress.

The Republican lawmaker formally announced his candidacy in July, and said at the time he had a campaign warchest of nearly $3 million.

His departure from the race would leave four contenders seeking the Republican nomination to oppose Graham.

They include the speaker of the state house of representatives, Johnnie Byrd; state Sen. Dan Webster; former Rep. Bill McCollum and Rep. Dave Weldon.

The Senate seat in Florida is one of four Southern races that the Republicans have targeted in their effort to increase their slim majority. The GOP holds a 51-48 advantage with one independent who leans Democratic.

The Republicans hope to capture open Senate seats in Georgia and South Carolina, and challenge in North Carolina, where Sen. John Edwards , like Graham, is seeking the presidency.

[LdSentinal]

Ping

[ambrose]

any chance of Connie Mack coming out of retirement? Is there any speculation of this in Florida?

[Pubbie]

Whoa!

What happened to Foley?

[ambrose]

He woke up with a horse's head in bed.

[Kuksool]

This is awesome news. A strong conservative is assured of winning the GOP primary. I prefer Johnnie Byrd, but Dave Weldon and Daniel Webster are quality candidates as well.

[Pubbie]

Yeah but who put the horse there?

Webster? Deutch?

[Kuksool]

Perhaps, he wants to keep his personal life private.

[Dolphy]

Whatever happened to him, I hope it wasn't to make room for Bill McCollum, who I find less than inspiring.

[Pubbie]

Oh well, either way, this allows a more conservative candidate to get the nomination.

PS: Is there anyway for the Fl GOP to move the Primary earlier in the Spring of 2004 instead of August of 2004?

[ambrose]

some people like doing things "both ways" but still want to keep it quiet.

[Pubbie]

McCollum won't get the nomination.

[LdSentinal]

I believe Connie Mack is supporting Bill McCollum, as he was hired as a campaign chairman to his campaign.

This gives Dave Weldon a chance to win the primary. He's a conservative, a doctor, and has a military record. He would smack that blow-hard Deutsch and the impeached judge, Alcee Hastings.

[Kuksool]

FL primaries are traditionally held in September. I'm not sure if the primary rules can be changed now. With the primary being so close to November, I predict more candidates to drop out before August 2004.

[LdSentinal]

He woke up with a horse's head in bed.

More like naked pictures of him and a . . .

[LdSentinal]

Well, between McCollum, Webster, and Byrd, Webster would be the most ideal candidate. McCollum is a loser and Byrd has made enemies as speaker of the house.

[AntiGuv]

Does this mean we get stuck with the loser Bill McCollum again?

[LdSentinal]

They include the speaker of the state house of representatives, Johnnie Byrd; state Sen. Dan Webster; former Rep. Bill McCollum and Rep. Dave Weldon.

[ambrose]