Harris Won't Run for Senate

Good news for President Bush, Karl Rove and Mel Martinez: U.S. Rep. Katherine Harris will not enter the Republican primary for U.S. Senate.

Harris, the former Florida secretary of state who drew international attention and the hatred of Democrats during Al Gore's failed coup attempt in 2000, decided instead to run for re-election, she announced today.

She said that although she expected her re-election bid to be a "spirited" contest, she would also work to see that a Republican is elected to the Senate seat being vacated by Democrat Sen. Bob Graham.

Harris made it clear she planned to run for the upper chamber in the future.

"So after careful deliberation I am here to announce my candidacy for the United States Senate," Harris said to applause from about 75 supporters in her hometown, Sarasota. "But just not yet this year."

Rep. Mark Foley, who last year dropped out of the race because of an illness in the family and who has endorsed Martinez, stated: "Katherine has been a close friend of mine for many years, and I'm excited that we will continue to represent Florida together in Congress. We have fought shoulder-to-shoulder for President Bush's agenda and what's best for the people of Florida. I'm relieved to know that we can count on her to continue the fight in this critical, upcoming Session."

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