Florida 23rd news

Incumbent Congressman Alcee Hastings will have primary opposition in 2008.

Belle Glade City Commissioner Ray Torres Sanchez says he plans to challenge U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings, D-Miramar, in next year's Democratic primary.

"I think it's basically time for a change," Sanchez said today.

He says he'll lay out a more detailed platform later, when he makes a formal announcement.

Sanchez has notified the state Division of Elections of his plans but hasn't filed a statement of candidacy with the Federal Elections Commission.

Republican Marion Thorpe, who announced a campaign against Hastings in 2004 but dropped out, has also told the Division of Elections he plans to run for Hastings' seat in 2008.

Hastings was first elected in 1992 and won an eighth term without opposition in 2006.

He has not aggressively raised money or campaigned for 2008, but aide Fred Turner said Hastings is prepared to run a serious race if he needs to.

It is too early to determine in Hastings can be defeated next year. Incumbent congressman will always have an advantage, so at the moment you'd have to say Hastings is favored.

Note- Now two Democratic Congressman in Palm Beach County have primary opposition. Robert Wexler is the other.

Also Note- Alcee Hastings is the only Congressman to serve Palm Beach County this decade that hasn't won one of my Knucklehead awards.

Even if Hastings loses, don't expect much change in representation in Washington DC. The 23rd is a heavily Democratic district. Whomever is elected will legislate accordingly.

Linked to- Amboy Times, Right Voices, The World According to Carl,