Florida House Speaker Byrd Kicks Off U.S. Senate Bid

Florida House Speaker Byrd Kicks Off U.S. Senate Bid

POSTED: 5:36 pm EDT May 3, 2004

TAMPA, Fla. -- Florida House Speaker Johnnie Byrd officially launched his bid for a U.S. Senate seat Monday, picking a target far away from his contentious tenure in Tallahassee -- the Middle East.
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"I am going as a supporter of (Israel) in its fight against terrorism," Byrd told supporters aboard the SS. American Victory. "In reality, it's our fight too.

Byrd is seeking the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Bob Graham. Byrd has raised more than $2.3 million for his campaign.

Byrd faces former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Mel Martinez, Miami attorney Larry Klayman, Miami businessman Doug Gallagher and former Congressman Bill McCollum, the party's 2000 nominee, in the August primary. State Sen. Dan Webster has hinted he might soon drop out of the race.
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http://www.wftv.com/news/3264531/detail.html

Johnnie Byrd was an absolute disaster as Fla speaker of the house - almost as equally hated by the repugs as democrats. He recently even described his fellow house members as "sheep". His support comes from the central Florida right wing fundies. I don't think he will be elected Senator, too many voters hate him.

He officially declared today, but his name has been in the race for months. I had heard rumors, however, that he was considering ending his bid for the Senate seat and running in FL-9 against the incumbent Republican.

I'd love to see Byrd or Webster get nominated, but realistically it will probably be McCollum or Martinez.