Katherine Harris Readying Congress Bid

by BRENT KALLESTAD Associated Press Writer

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) -- Secretary of State Katherine Harris, who attracted worldwide attention during Florida's disputed presidential election recount, will run for Congress next year, a top Republican official said Tuesday.

''They're doing the due diligence and trying to put together the best campaign team that they can,'' state GOP executive director David Johnson told The Associated Press.

Harris, 44, will seek the 13th District seat being vacated by Rep. Dan Miller, a Bradenton Republican who has said he plans to retire after he completes his fifth term.

Harris did not immediately return a call seeking comment Tuesday.

She was in the spotlight during Florida's five-week recount saga that ended in a 537-vote victory by Republican George W. Bush over Vice President Al Gore that gave Bush the White House.

Johnson said Adam Goodman, a veteran Republican media adviser who has worked for the state and national party, would handle Harris' campaign advertising. Goodman served as Harris' media adviser in 1998 when she ran successfully for secretary of state after one term in the Florida Senate.

Democrats are expected to put up an opponent against Harris. State Democratic Party Chairman Bob Poe is in Europe vacationing and other party officials did not immediately return phone messages Tuesday.

-- Anonymous, July 24, 2001