Harris told police she feared for her life and could not move as the vehicle sped toward her, police records show.

Witnesses gave the car's license plate number to police, and they tracked it to Barry M. Seltzer, 46. He came to the police station early Wednesday and complained to officers that Harris' supporters had impeded traffic.

``I intimidated them with my car,'' Seltzer told police. ``I was exercising my political expression.''

He was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and held without bond. He was scheduled for his first court appearance Thursday.

Calls to Seltzer's home and to Harris' campaign secretary were not immediately returned.

Harris, a Sarasota Republican, is seeking a second congressional term after serving as Florida's secretary of state during the controversial 2000 presidential recount.

She has been a rising star in the GOP and the bane of Democrats since overseeing the recount that gave Florida and the presidency to George W. Bush by 537 votes.

She used momentum from the recount to win the congressional seat in 2002 and is seeking re-election against Sarasota lawyer Jan Schneider, who lost to Harris two years ago.

© 2004 Associated Press.

Update: Seltzer is, of course, a registered Democrat, The Smoking Gun reported.