Katherine Harris For Congress
Secretary of State Katherine Harris, Florida's best-known female politician after the five-week recount that sent George W. Bush to the White House, apparently wants to join the president in Washington.
Harris' political advisers are "trying to put together the best campaign team that they can" for a congressional run in 2002, state Republican executive director David Johnson said.
Harris, who has nearly a year to formally enter the race, refused Tuesday to confirm she was running, but added she's confident she can "make a difference" in Congress.
"People have been extremely encouraging and supportive," said Harris, who would seek the 13th District seat being vacated by Rep. Dan Miller, a Republican who has said he plans to retire after his fifth term.
Even with adjustments under next year's reapportionment, the district would favor a Republican candidate, especially one with Harris' name recognition and wealth. She listed her net worth at $6.5 million in her most recent financial disclosure.
"She's going to have name recognition beyond reason," said Ed Moore, president of the James Madison Institute, a conservative public policy research group in Tallahassee. "Anybody that doesn't know the name Katherine Harris in the state of Florida has been asleep the last 12 months."
Harris, 44, became a favorite target of Democrats and took a drubbing in the media, but won praise from Republicans for her handling of the recount, which she oversaw despite serving as co-chair of the Bush campaign in the state.
She helped push through an election reform package to quiet critics.
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Democrats are expected to put up an opponent.
"No doubt about it," Democratic Party spokesman Tony Welch said. "She is the most polarizing figure in the Republican Party and will turn out thousands more Democratic voters who want a chance to voe against her."
By BRENT KALLESTAD
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