Martinez to enter race after saying he wouldn't

[mndemocrat_29]

Here's the link: www.politics1.com

HUD SECRETARY TO ENTER US SENATE RACE. A second member of the Bush Cabinet is leaving to run for office in 2004. US Housing Secretary Mel Martinez (R-FL) will resign his post this upcoming week and formally enter the race for the open US Senate seat in Florida. Some Republican strategists are hopeful that Martinez' entry will block Congresswoman Katherine Harris (R) from jumping into the contest. They fear that Harris -- if she would win the GOP nomination -- would become a constant reminder to Florida voters about the 2000 Presidential recount, and also energize the Democratic base. Before serving in the Cabinet, Martinez served as the elected Orange County Commission Chair. Martinez is viewed as "more centrist" than the other GOP candidates already in the race.

[ewagner]

1. Good

Martinez and Harris can eat eah other alive in a NASTY gut-cutting primary.

Katherine is probably the best of the "gut-cutters".

[Frodo]

5. I get the impression...

... that Martinez getting in is specifically intended to keep her out. When the hint was dropped last month that he was considering it, her people said that rumors of her getting in were unjustified.

Guess Bush is ungratefull for all she did for him.

[mndemocrat_29]

2. I just want to say

That I can't stand Martinez. The only reason he's entering this race is because Bush told him to. He's a complete and total Bush Rubber Stamp, and I wish the best of luck to the eventual Democratic nominee. We really need to win this race. Hopefully Bob Graham will be able to help the eventual nominee with campaigning.

[TSIAS]

3. Martinez definitely isn't a lock

It'll probably be a race between Martinez, McCollum, and possibly Harris.

I doubt Byrd, Klayman, or Webster will make it far. I wish they would because I think these candidates are too right-wing, even for Florida.

[dajabr]

4. At least we know now what fixing a Presidential Election is worth...

And, it ain't a Senate seat. Jeb got to be Governor again, but hey, he's the Thief in Chief's brother for crissakes!