Campaign plies Harris' e-mail from the recount

MORGAN

© St. Petersburg Times
published April 13, 2002

Thousands of people e-mailed Secretary of State Katherine Harris in late 2000 when Florida was the temporary center of the universe.

Recently her campaign for Congress decided to write back.

"Dear Friend," Harris writes.

"You are receiving this e-mail because you personally corresponded with Katherine at some time during the past year, most likely during the recount in Florida of the presidential balloting."

Then Harris, who has been known to squawk a bit when asked for public records, notes that the e-mails are public records and "she is therefore able to contact you in return."

"Katherine is a candidate for the United States Congress from Southwest Florida," the e-mail adds. "If you would like to remain on her mailing list and be contacted periodically about the race, do nothing."

What a mailing list! Her office estimates that more than 750,000 people contacted Harris to praise or condemn her. This could create a mailing list bigger than any presidential candidate ever had -- all for a seat in Congress that she is almost certain to win.

Maybe it's a sort of reward for being called Cruella De Vil, the evil woman who kidnapped the dogs in 101 Dalmatians, and having big-city papers like the Washington Post make fun of her makeup.

But it must have been a chore to sort the e-mail. I can see it now: this one likes her, this one hates her, this one wants to kill her. Imagine the next e-mail to those who don't ask to be removed from her list. Want to guess how many people will send a contribution?

Her campaign won't disclose how many e-mails were sent. Strategy, they say.

Harris is seeking the seat of retiring U.S. Rep. Dan Miller, R-Bradenton, in a very Republican district.

She has raised more money than any other candidate running for Congress in Florida and expects to raise much more over the next six months.

When she was being introduced as a candidate for the state Senate in 1994, several people described her as having the potential to become Florida's first female governor.

The 2000 election probably took care of that idea. Many Democrats remain bitter and would never support her in a statewide race, which is a bit of a problem when Democrats and Republicans are almost evenly divided.

Look for fundraising statewide to pick up now that the Legislature has adjourned for the moment. House and Senate rules prohibit fundraising during the regular session but are silent about special sessions, so lawmakers are making up for lost time.

"I know you understand how important it is for me to have the resources necessary to effectively communicate my message," wrote Rep. Frank Farkas, R-St. Petersburg, in a letter sent last week to lobbyists. Farkas helpfully included his address on the World Wide Web: www.franklyfarkas.com.

Later this month Rep. Holly Benson, R-Pensacola, will raise money at her "first annual Flora-Bama Mullet Toss Gathering." We can only guess what will happen when they start mixing up politicians, lobbyists and fish tossing.

Democrats are gathering this weekend in Orlando and offering various chances to hob-nob with House Democrats: $250 gets you a briefing and reception while $1,000 gets you to Motown at Universal Studios.

Not to be outdone by the Democrats, Republican state Rep. Connie Mack, R-Fort Lauderdale, is inviting lobbyists to bring money this weekend and join him for drinks and a day of sail fishing.

Sen. Ron Silver, D-North Miami Beach, invited lobbyists to pay tribute at an event Friday. Silver is leaving the legislature due to term limits, but these guys can't resist. For charity, he says.

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