SUPPORTING HARRIS FOR SENATE...AT WHAT COST?

Lakeland Ledger political columnist Bill Rufty writes this morning about the continuing situation regarding the U.S. Senate campaign of Congresswoman Katherine Harris (R - Longboat Key), and how some key GOP leaders are once more publicly shying away from her.

With qualifying for federal offices beginning one week from today and ending next Friday, it seems more and more that Harris will be the default Republican nominee to challenge Democratic incumbant Bill Nelson. Florida House Speaker Allan Bense (R - Panama City) has once again turned down the opportunity to run, and noone else seems to be on the horizon to force a GOP primary.

Rufty writes:

"Her campaign's miscues may be amusing to many, but Harris does have her core following. GOP leaders could risk splitting their party if they wait this late and then challenge her...

"Also, what does it say to other loyal party members when party leaders turn their backs on someone who has done the bidding of the hierarchy and endured personal loss and embarrassment?

"...With Bense or another last-minute candidate -- other than Gov. Jeb Bush -- they might lose the goodwill of a voting bloc within their own party that demands fair treatment for their candidate -- Harris. That is far more costly.

"So, it would seem that the better part of honor is to stay with the one who brought you to the dance."

It doesn't matter: Unless something incredibly stupid happens, which I don't expect, Nelson will win against whoever the Republicans put up by double digits. Regardless of what type of "evil liberal" suit they attempt to dress him up in, the vast majority of the electorate will see that Nelson is much more moderate than they'll claim. And his unfavourable numbers are relatively low for an incumbant, according to the latest polls I've seen.

The only truly sad thing will be that as Harris' political career will crash and burn after the second Tuesday in November, Florida political writers and pundits will have a lot less entertainment to present us.