She made it official

Former Florida Secretary of State and now Congresswoman Katherine Harris has announced her candidacy today for the US Senate seat in Florida now held by Bill Nelson. Senator Nelson is up for re-election in 2006.

Most Floridians and some people outside of Florida will remember Ms. Harris from the 2000 presidential debacle here in Florida. She took a great deal of heat from Democrats who accused her of partisanship. I always thought she was just enforcing the election laws of Florida myself.

Here is the AP article I found at OrlandoSentinel.com

The Associated Press Posted June 7, 2005, 2:18 PM EDT

TALLAHASSEE -- Republican U.S. Rep. Katherine Harris, who was praised and vilified for her role as Florida's secretary of state in the 2000 presidential recount, said today she will run for the U.S. Senate next year against Democratic incumbent Bill Nelson.

Her announcement brings a high-profile name and the potential to raise a substantial amount of money to a race that Republicans already have said they would target.

"Today, after months of encouragement from friends and constituents, colleagues and advisers, many prayers and with the love and support of my family, the time has come to launch a campaign for the U.S. Senate," Harris told The Associated Press.Harris, who is serving her second term in Congress, will formally announce her plans in July.

The Sarasota woman considered running for Senate last year after Bob Graham announced his retirement. After weeks of speculation, she said she would run later, just not in 2004.Running against an incumbent may be a more difficult challenge, but Harris is considered a top fundraiser and is a popular figure among Republicans.

But she is also despised by some Democrats for her role in overseeing the recount that ultimately gave Florida and the White House to George W. Bush over Al Gore. Her entry into the race could galvanize Democratic voters and contributors.