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Associated PressRepublicans seeking Bob Graham's U.S. Senate seat are asked to sign a no-attack pledge.
TALLAHASSEE - The Republican Party of Florida is asking U.S. Senate candidates to sign a pledge to abide by Ronald Reagan's 11th commandment - do not speak ill of other Republicans - or face possible exclusion from party forums and events.
The letter will be sent to campaigns today. It comes after early negative tones in the crowded field of Republicans seeking to replace Democratic Sen. Bob Graham.
It asks candidates to refrain from personal attacks and lays out consequences if they violate or refuse to sign the pledge.
"Unprovoked assaults on the personal character of another candidate will only serve to divide our party and its supporters and give the Democrat Party and its allies in the media ammunition to destroy this opportunity," state party chairwoman Carole Jean Jordan said in the letter, which was obtained by the Associated Press.
Last month, former U.S. Rep. Bill McCollum released a video attacking former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Mel Martinez's experience as a trial lawyer. It labeled Martinez a liberal and compared him to then-Democratic presidential candidate Sen. John Edwards.
A third candidate, Miami lawyer Larry Klayman, joined in the fray, saying McCollum and Martinez feed on the "corrupt Washington money culture."
Martinez said he would welcome the letter and sign the pledge.
"I'm all for it; I think that's wonderful," he said.
McCollum spokeswoman Shannon Gravitte said, "It is our hope that everyone would stick to the issues and fair discussion of the differences between the candidates. That's our goal. That's what we plan to do. Calling attention to the respective records of the candidates is a critical part of the election process so voters can make education choices."
She added, "Censorship by any group for any reason goes against the Republican principles that we share."
Jordan's letter said she would denounce any violation and encourage other Republican officials to do the same. She said she would request that any Republican organization refuse to allow a violator to participate in forums, meetings or any activity that might benefit a Senate candidate.
"Simply pointing out differences in policy positions or differences in votes is one matter; slandering another Republican candidate (or their family) and their personal reputation is another," Jordan wrote.
Klayman planned to sign the pledge, said spokesman David E. Johnson. But he said the campaign's previous attacks would not fall under the pledge's guidelines.
"We've never attacked anyone personally," Johnson said.
Other Republicans seeking the nomination include state Sen. Daniel Webster, former New Hampshire Sen. Bob Smith, House Speaker Johnnie Byrd and Miami businessman Doug Gallagher.