Florida Senator Mulls White House Bid

Sen. Bob Graham said Monday he is seriously considering running for the 2004 Democratic presidential nomination, saying he is not satisfied with President Bush's leadership as the country faces "unprecedented" economic and military problems.

Graham, a 16-year senator who also served as Florida's governor from 1978-86, was recently the chairman of the Senate's Intelligence Committee. He spoke Monday after he appeared on a Haitian-American radio talk show, where he received several calls asking him if he intended to run.

"I'm seriously thinking about options, including the option of running for president," Graham told reporters. "This is a very difficult time for America. We're facing unprecedented problems in terms of our domestic economy, in terms of our international relations, particularly the war on terrorism and Iraq.

"I'm not satisfied with the direction we are being led today," Graham said. He said he's "considering what I think could be my contribution toward a new direction for America."

Graham, 66, said he has not decided whether he will seek re-election to the Senate in 2004 if he does not run for president.

Graham said his interest in running for president is not a result of former Vice President Al Gore's decision not to seek the Democratic nomination, which he won in 2000.

Graham said he will be meeting with family members and advisers over the upcoming holidays, but would not say when he hopes to make a decision.

Some other Democrats who might run for president in 2004 include Sens. Tom Daschle of North Dakota, John Edwards of North Carolina, John Kerry of Massachusetts and Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut, Missouri Rep. Dick Gephardt and Vermont Gov. Howard Dean.