Bob Graham is not running for reelection. Damn. We needed his experience.
As for replacements, I spent some time politicking in Florida recently. Here are my thoughts:
- I met Betty Castor's daughter, who is herself a county commissioner from Tampa (Hillsborough County). The mother is the only one of the crew who's held statewide elective office. And I liked the daughter, so I support Betty Castor.
- Alex Penelas is a traitor of the worst kind, a man who couldn't find it in himself to stick his neck out for the party when we most needed it. As Jeb Bush and Katherine Harris were going all out to deliver the election to W, Penelas sat pretty in Miami and did NOTHING. He appeared exactly never on behalf of Gore. He sucks.
- Peter Deutsch is very South Florida, and Boyd is very North Florida. I don't know much about Alcee Hastings.
- I include Lois Frankel, the former minority leader in the legislature (whom you may remember from the fabulous days of recount for her exhilirating appearances on Larry King). She ran a brief campaign for Governor last time, and now she's mayor of West Palm Beach. And, da da da da: She's my cousin!
Castor comes from an important region for Democrats to win, Tampa, and she has a good history in the state. Support her.
Luckily, the Republicans have a bruising primary fight of their own.