06.27.2003

Graham does 'not anticipate' running for re-election to Senate

By KEN THOMAS, Associated Press

Democratic presidential hopeful Bob Graham said Friday he does "not anticipate being on the ballot for the Senate" next year but declined to definitely rule out pursuing another term if his presidential campaign falters.

Graham, speaking with reporters to announce a list of endorsements from his home state, demurred when asked if he would run for a fourth term. He said he intends to be the Democratic nominee for president by the May 2004 deadline to qualify for the state ballot.

"I do not anticipate being on the ballot for the Senate," Graham said. He later added: "I do not intend to qualify as a candidate for the Senate because by the time I need to qualify for the ballot I will be the nominee."

As one of nine Democrats seeking the party's presidential nomination, Graham's future in Florida has remained a question for the field of candidates hoping to succeed him.

State law bars anyone from qualifying to run for more than one office at the same time. But a recent legal opinion sought by U.S. Rep. Peter Deutsch, a Pembroke Pines Democrat considering the race, found that Graham might be able to run for re-election to the Senate while also appearing on the presidential ballot.

Graham said none of it would matter.

"I have made a definitive statement that I am not running for president to run for president but to be elected, which is my total goal," Graham said. "Although there has been some speculation that you can run for two offices at the same time, I will not do so."

Graham's campaign released a letter inviting President Bush to a debate in either Miami or Tampa when the president travels to Florida for two fund-raisers Monday. Graham welcomed Bush to Florida for his "first official campaign trip since the controversial 2000 election.

"We Floridians cherish an open, honest government. We cherish face to face interaction with candidates for office, and we cherish our traditional role as a major swing state in American politics," Graham wrote. "It is in this spirit that I welcome you to Florida with this invitation to debate."

Chad Colby, a Republican National Committee spokesman, said "the president is committed to leading the country right now. There's a time for politics next year when the Democrats have chosen their nominee."

Graham announced endorsements from 17 state Democrats, including the five Democrats who hope to run for his seat - Deutsch, Miami-Dade County Mayor Alex Penelas, U.S. Reps. Alcee Hastings of Miramar and Allen Boyd of Monticello, and former state Education Commissioner Betty Castor.

Florida Sen. Bill Nelson will serve as chairman of Graham's presidential campaign in Florida. Others to endorse his campaign include: U.S. Reps. Corrine Brown of Jacksonville, Jim Davis of Tampa, Kendrick Meek of Miami, former U.S. Rep. Jim Bacchus of Orlando, state Senate Democratic Leader Ron Klein of Boca Raton, state Sens. Rod Smith of Alachua, Les Miller of Tampa, Dave Aronberg of West Palm Beach, state Rep. Ed Jennings of Gainesville, Broward County Sheriff Ken Jenne and former first lady Rhea Chiles, widow of the late Gov. Lawton Chiles. All 17 will serve as leaders of his state campaign team.

Graham said he expected more endorsements to follow in his home state.

The Republican field for Senate includes former U.S. Rep. Bill McCollum of the Orlando area and U.S. Rep. Mark Foley of West Palm Beach. U.S. Rep. Dave Weldon of Palm Bay has said he will make a decision on the race by the fall and state Sen. Daniel Webster of Winter Garden is considering a campaign.

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