LOOKING AT POSSIBLE CONGRESSIONAL CONTESTS

The list of definate and possible candidates for congressional seats across Central Florida continues to grow.

Eighth District Congressman Ric Keller (R - Orlando) could face a GOP primary challenge from Marine Corps Reservist and Orlando businessman Bob Hering next year. Orlando Sentinel columnist Scott Maxwell noted Thursday that Hering, who ran against Keller in the 2004 Republican primary and only received 26 percent of the vote in a three way race, is unhappy about a campaign-like brochure sent to constituents claiming that he was supporting the troops "from the battle front". Keller has never served in the military, and the mailing, which was sent at taxpayer expense, is one of a number of reasons why Hering is considering another go at the incumbant.

Two Democrats are also looking at the 8th District race, which covers an area including much of Metro Orlando and reaches from Ocala to Celebration: Orange County Commissioner Homer Hartage and consultant Charles Stuart. Stuart is well connected; one of his brothers is a leader in the Greater Orlando Chamber of Commerce, another is a former state senator, and still another heads a local Christian Service Centre.

Meanwhile, on the Gulf Coast around Sarasota, interest in the 13th District seat currently held by Congresswoman Katherine Harris has quickly heated up with Harris' decision to challenge Bill Nelson next year for his U.S. Senate seat. According to Sarasota Herald-Tribune political columnist Jeremy Wallace, State Representative Nancy Detert (R - Venice) told a GOP Women's Club in her hometown that she would seek the congressional office.

That makes three Republicans looking to replace the former Florida Secretary of State in Washington. Detert's collegue, State Representative Bill Galvano (R - Bradenton) had previously announced intentions to run, as had former Sarasota County Republican chairman Tramm Hudson. In a previous column, Wallace noted that Hudson was seriously considering a run for a state cabinet position --- most likely Chief Financial Officer --- had Harris decided against a race for Senate.

And speaking of Harris' run for the U.S. Senate, Jeb! didn't run to declare her the candidate to beat next year. During a press conference earlier in the week, he was asked if she was the best candidate for the GOP, to which he responded:

"That's not my business ... It's not a question of that. It's a question of who's got the guts to run. That separates everybody. She's running, and the Republican Party will support the Republican nominee."

Adam C. Smith in the St. Petersburg Times Sunday noted that political activity has been especially busy in Pinellas County, where State Senator Les Miller (D - Tampa) is running to replace fellow Democrat Jim Davis in the 11th District congressional seat. Davis is seeking the Democratic nomination for governor. And among other things happening, State Representative Everett Rice (R - Treasure Island) approved a logo and letterhead for his campaign for Attorney General much like the one he used as Pinellas County Sheriff for 16 years.

Sadly, my home district --- the 12th of Congressman Adam Putnam (R - Bartow) is rather dull at present, as "Red" has attracted no possible challengers to date.