Reply #49: And an article about Jan's opponent whom she beat last time...

[madfloridian]

http://www.sptimes.com/2004/04/18/Columns/A_congressional_race_.shtml

"SARASOTA - The Ritz-Carlton staff beamed as the woman in pearls and blue St. John pants suit strode across the marble lobby.

"Hi, Ms. Jennings!"

"Great to see you again, Ms. Jennings!"

And well they might know Christine Jennings. As founder and CEO of a community bank, she became a millionaire who also made a lot of investors a lot of money. As the gung-ho leader of civic endeavors ranging from the Ringling Museum to the Sarasota Film Festival, she won a host of admirers.

Lately, some of the state's savviest Democratic leaders and strategists are quietly buzzing: Is this the candidate who could actually unseat U.S. Rep. Katherine Harris?

It's an uphill battle, no doubt. Calling Democratic prospects of beating Harris a stretch would be generous. The national Democratic Party more or less writes off the race. Democrats account for about 30 percent of the electorate in the district that includes Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto and Hardee counties, as well as part of Charlotte County."

Well, Jan beat her last time, went on to win 45% of the vote against Harris. So the party is saying thank you, Jan, for showing us the seat is in play....now go and play with the not so rich people and let us handle it all. Sincerely, the Florida Dems and the DCCC.