Katherine Harris

Katherine Harris (born April 5 1957) is an American politician who has been a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives since 2003, representing the 13th District of Florida (map). She served as Florida's Secretary of State during the controversial Florida Recount of 2000. On June 7, 2005 she announced her candidacy for the United States Senate.

2006 Senate Race

On June 7 2005, Harris announced her intention to run for the Republican Senate nomination in Florida to challenge incumbent Democrat Bill Nelson in the 2006 election cycle. In a survey of voters taken August 23-29, 2005, Nelson garnered 57 percent to Harris's 33 percent.http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x12942.xml?ReleaseID=829

Related Topics:
June 7 - 2005 - Bill Nelson - 2006 election cycle

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Democrats have said that Harris on the ballot in Florida would galvanize many party members angry at the 2000 presidential decision. Among Republicans, however, Harris enjoys a reputation as something of a hero for her role in the Florida election controversy of 2000 and thus she probably has a good chance at winning the nomination.

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Early polls suggested the Democrats may have been right - Nelson had a lead over Harris that ranged from 12 to 17 points. In spite of Harris' loyal support to Republican causes, such figures as Jeb Bush and Karl Rove seemed to have their doubts about her statewide appeal. They attempted to recruit Florida house speaker Allan Bense into the race. In a survey of voters taken June 22-26, 2005 pitting Nelson against Bense, Nelson would have been favored 50 percent to Bense's 26 percent.http://www.stpetetimes.com/2005/06/30/State/Nelson_tops_Harris__M.shtml In early August 2005, Bense declined to challenge Harris, saying the timing was not right. Rumored primary challengers included Congressman Mark Foley and particularly talk show host and former Congressman Joe Scarborough. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050818/ap_on_el_se/senate_scarborough;_ylt=ApKvf_a6bbVbyTSMxCEJY7GyFz4D;_ylu=X3oDMTBiMW04NW9mBHNlYwMlJVRPUCUl

Related Topics:
Karl Rove - Allan Bense - Mark Foley - Joe Scarborough

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(Scarborough chose not to run.)

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