WHAT IS KATHERINE HARRIS DOING NOW? SOME FURTHER OBSERVATIONS

Many folks had a strong feeling that Congresswoman Katherine Harris (R - Longboat Key) had an aversion to the Florida media. As her campaign seemed heading more into the toilet every day, one would believe that she would make time with reporters to respond to the questions that were racing 'round the state, as well as reassure her supporters and would-be contributors that she's still surviving.

After scheduling and postponing a press conference for Wednesday in Bartow, she chose instead to announce her intention to stay in the U.S. Senate race in a Washington studio on Hannity and Colmes. Ms. Harris then reportedly scheduled a press conference for today in Tampa; that has now been scrapped. She actually told Sean Hannity that "We’re very forthcoming. We engage with them." If that's the case, then why scrap two opportunities to engage and be forthcoming with the local media? Ms. Harris seems to only want to do so with friendly reporters who she feels will give her a pass.

One would suggest that she let the professionals on her campaign staff handle the nuts and bolts work, but her staff's turnover rate is about the equivilent of a fast food restaurant. In recent weeks, Ms. Harris has lost two key advisors, Ed Goeas and Anne Dunsmore, as well as finance director Mike Miller and a number of lower-level employees.

Now we learn that Press Secretary Kara Borie is bailing out after today, only saying that "It's time to move on". That makes three press secretaries that Ms. Harris has gone through, as well as four chiefs of staff and three district directors. Today's question: WHO'S NEXT?

And what's this about telling Sean Hannity that she wants to make this campaign "a referendum of reform on ethics and integrity"? All one has to do is read this and remember her clear conflict of interest while serving as Florida's Secretary of State --- in charge of elections --- and co-chair of the Bush/Cheney campaign for the 2000 election robbery to know that ethics and integrity are two things Ms. Harris seems not to know much about.

Speaking of which, check out today's editorial in the St. Petersburg Times. I especially loved the line, "Voters know Harris too well, and even $10-million isn't enough to buy her credibility."

Around November, the most appropriate lyric Ms. Harris will be singing comes from the 1964 Beatles' song:

Can't buy me love, everybody tells me so
Can't buy me love, no no no, no