TALLAHASSEE, Fla.  — Florida Secretary of State Katherine Harris rose to prominence during the disputed election recount that sent George W. Bush to Washington. Now, Republicans want the state’s best-known female politician to run for Congress.
First, Harris would like to push through an election reform package to quiet critics of the state’s antiquated system that was chronicled so thoroughly during the 2000 vote recount. Once that’s out of the way, probably this spring, timing is perfect for Harris for a congressional run next year if Rep. Dan Miller decides to retire as expected.
Miller’s heavily Republican district includes Harris’ hometown, Sarasota. She can’t run for re-election as secretary of state because voters decided to make the job is an appointive office, rather than an elective office, starting when her current term ends in January 2003.
She has the name recognition, loves public service, and is considered a shoo-in if she runs.
“I feel very strongly about it. I love being elected, I really do,” she said. “I love the legislative branch very much.”
Harris was in the spotlight during Florida’s five-week vote-recount saga last year that ended in a 537-vote victory by Bush over Al Gore. Possible errors in punchcard balloting, questions about voters dropped from the rolls and other problems led to widespread calls for reform.
Harris became a favorite target of Democrats, and she took a drubbing in the media, once lampooned as Cruella DeVil in a parody. But she became a heroine to Republicans for her handling of the Florida recount.
“Those 36 days elevated Katherine,” state Republican Party Chairman Al Cardenas said. “She’s the darling of Republicans throughout the country and that augurs well for her political future.”
Harris was the belle of the ball during Florida’s inaugural activities in Washington in January, and strangers continually walk up to her at airports and shopping malls to greet her and say “nice job” for her role in the election.