Republican Chairman Says Graham Is Vulnerable [View All]

[Judi Lynn]

Republican Chairman Says Graham Is Vulnerable
By Ken Thomas Associated Press Writer
Published: Oct 17, 2003




MIAMI BEACH, Fla. (AP) - Republican National Committee chairman Ed Gillespie said Friday he likes the party's chances in next year's U.S. Senate campaign - regardless of whether Bob Graham runs for re-election.

Gillespie said six months ago he would have considered the three-term senator a tough assignment for Republicans. But he said Graham turned into a "bitter, harsh partisan" during his failed presidential campaign and remains vulnerable if he seeks another term.

"I think a lot of Florida voters have looked up and are wondering 'Who is this person? This is not the person that we voted for repeatedly for statewide office,'" Gillespie said. "I think a lot of the support that Bob Graham has enjoyed from independent voters and frankly, many Republican voters in the past, is not going to be there for him next November and he's very likely to be defeated."

Gillespie was in South Florida to announce the party's Southern Republican Leadership Conference in Miami Beach next April 15-18. President Bush is slated to address delegates from throughout the South on April 17. (snip/...)

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