Katherine Harris officially launched her campaign for the U.S. Senate today. The Republican Congresswoman is best known nationally for her role in halting recounts in Florida during the disputed 2000 presidential election. She promised to defeat incumbent Senator Bill Nelson.
'Our polls show that when we get our message out, Florida's message, we will win,' Harris told supporters in her home town of Sarasota. 'I want to say I'm trailing by an eyelash, but I know what you guys (the media) would do with that,' Harris said.
Harris was joking about the media's frequent comments about her makeup when she was Florida's secretary of state during the 2000 election.
The 48-year-old Harris kicked off her campaign with a five-day tour of 10 major Florida cities including Miami and Pensacola. She announced that she would run as a conservative but progressive candidate.
Published reports have indicated that some White House officials wanted to dissuade Harris from running for fear that her notoriety from the 2000 election would alienate moderates. Thus far, no other Republican has announced that they would run.
Harris immediately took aim at her opponent. 'Personally I will continue to put it all on the line,' she said. 'With a campaign of straight talk about what I believe -- in contrast to a politician willing to switch positions without conscience.'
Republicans have targeted Nelson as vulnerable in 2006. It remains to be seen if Katherine Harris is the woman who can take advantage of that situation.
