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Lawmaker ready for Congress
Associated Press
Published February 13, 2005
TALLAHASSEE - Senate Democratic Leader Les Miller of Tampa said Saturday he is "99 percent sure" that he will seek the congressional seat of U.S. Rep. Jim Davis, who announced his candidacy for governor last week.
"My intentions are to run," Miller told the Associated Press. "We just have to get some things together. I don't see anything changing."
Miller was declared cancer free on Thursday by doctors at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, clearing him to seek Davis' seat and try to keep it in Democratic hands. Republicans have a 17-8 advantage in Florida's representation in the U.S. House.
The veteran Tampa legislator's future had been on hold since he underwent surgery last month after being diagnosed with kidney cancer. Doctors told him the surgery removed the small cancerous mass and that he does not require radiation or chemotherapy.
"That medical report was a major factor," Miller said. "The doctors told me "You go do your thing."'
Miller was elected to the state House of Representatives in 1992 and to the state Senate in 2000.
Two other Democrats are seeking the party's nomination for governor: state Sen. Rod Smith of Alachua and Lawton "Bud" Chiles III of Orlando, the son of the late Florida governor and U.S. senator.
No Republican has make a formal announcement but the field could include Attorney General Charlie Crist, Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher and Lt. Gov. Toni Jennings.
[Last modified February 13, 2005, 01:06:05]
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