Bob Graham's daughter steps into political arena

[Mika]

Bob Graham's daughter steps into political arena
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/breaking_news/8904577.htm

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - A fresh face with a familiar name could be one answer for Florida Democrats starved for new candidates capable of helping the party regain political clout.

U.S. Sen. Bob Graham's oldest daughter, Gwen, has taken a key role with the state Democratic Party in this presidential election year when her father's Senate seat is also up for grabs upon his retirement.

The 41-year-old mother of three is the state party's national campaign liaison with John Kerry's presidential campaign with added responsibilities of trying to keep her father's seat in Democratic hands.

And while Gwen Graham is helping others during this year's election cycle, she has her own political ambitions down the road - possibly a congressional run in 2006 from her family's South Florida base.

She acknowledges the huge asset of her name, but wants to carve out her own political identity. "It's important to me that people understand that I never assume that I can be or do anything just because I'm Bob Graham's daughter."

Name recognition, however, is an elixir in politics. And a big help in Florida.

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