Florida's Sen. Graham Announces He Won't Seek Re-Election to Fourth Term i

[papau]

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGAYG7MSKMD.html

Florida's Sen. Graham Announces He Won't Seek Re-Election to Fourth Term in 2004
By Brent Kallestad
Associated Press Writer

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Sen. Bob Graham, who ended his bid for the Democratic nomination for president last month, announced Monday that he will not seek re-election to a fourth term in the U.S. Senate. <snip>

Graham is the fourth Southern Democrat to announce plans to retire at the end of his term, giving Republicans opportunities for strong gains in a region of the country where President Bush figures to run strongly in 2004. Sens. Zell Miller of Georgia, John Edwards of North Carolina and Ernest "Fritz" Hollings of South Carolina earlier said they wouldn't seek re-election to the Senate. <snip>

Graham's chief of staff notified the other Democratic campaigns shortly before the senator made the announcement.

Five Democrats had declared for Graham's Senate seat but said they wouldn't challenge Graham if he sought re-election: U.S. Reps. Allen Boyd, Peter Deutsch and Alcee Hastings, Miami-Dade Mayor Alex Penelas and former state Education Commissioner Betty Castor. <snip>

[LoneStarLiberal]

1. Damn

Too bad. Graham's been great in the Senate.

Let's hope one of those five Democrats wins...

[bif]

2. We are so screwed!

It's not even funny!

[Frodo]

3. Nuts! I thought I read this morning he was leaning toward running again?

This gets worse and worse! If Breaux retires (and who can blame him now?) we have about zero chance of winning back the Senate - and the WILL be three SC retirements next term.

[CounterCoulter]

4. The goal is not winning back the senate...

The goal is to retain 41 seats and keep the filibuster in play...Thanks Greens, for allowing Bush to set the agenda for the last 3 years!

[TahitiNut]

5. duplicate

See http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=197162