Who should replace Graham in the U.S. Senate?

[election_2004]

Alex Penelas

Peter Deutsch

Betty Castor

Alcee Hastings

I'm not a Florida resident, but from what I know about them, I think Castor is the best choice.

Penelas may be too conservative for the Democratic base to get excited about, and Deustch will be too partisan and will alienate Independents and swing voters (who could decide the election, especially if it's close). Hastings is way too liberal to win statewide.

Castor strikes me as the most professional and likable of the field, and she could probably easily defeat Foley, McCollum, or Harris.

Other thoughts?

[jeter]

1. Alex Penelas

He isn't too conservative. He's just Cuban. If the Dems win the Cubans in 2004, Florida is going Democratic. Period.

[bluestateguy]

2. Bill McBride?

He never really had a chance against Shrub Jr. who could out raise and out spend him until the cows come home. But he has a nice personal story, a clean past and hopefully has learned from his past campaign mistakes.

[Rowdyboy]

3. Betty Castor

gets a lot of good press

[Adjoran]

4. Deutsch

He's got the best name recognition and national experience.

[Bombtrack]

5. Definetly Penelas

he's the quintessential rising star in politics. His term is over in 04. And if you've ever talked to him you would realize how passionate he is about public service.

it isn't easy to be a cuban democrat, and he exactly the kind of person we need to represent the party in Florida in 04