THE POLITICAL STARS COME OUT TO REPLACE HARRIS

No, this isn't another post about Congresswoman Katherine Harris (R - Longboat Key) and her quest to replace Democratic incumbent Bill Nelson in the U.S. Senate. But it IS about the congressional seat she is vacating to run for the upper chamber.

It seems as though some big political names are or have been heading to Southwest Florida to help the candidacies of those wishing to replace the former Florida Secretary of State.

Last Thursday, former House Majority Leader Dick Armey (R - TX) showed up and helped raise $150,000 for Sarasota banker Tramm Hudson's effort. GOP primary opponent State Representative Nancy Detert (R - Venice) is being supported by former New Jersey governor and Enviromential Protection Agency chief Christine Todd Whitman. Meanwhile, auto dealer Vern Buchanan of Longboat Key is getting help from U.S. Senator Mel Martinez (R - FL) and Congressman Mark Foley (R - Fort Pierce).

And the Democrats haven't been "playing possum", either.

Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D - NV) is supporting attorney/author Jan Schnieder, while primary foe and retired Sarasota banker Christine Jennings is getting aid from two big names: U.S. Senator and 2004 Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry (D - MA) and Senator Barbara Boxer (D - CA).

Obviously, this is one of the key seats that is being battled over during the mid term elections in November. And you can look for more big names to be appearing before it's over.