GOP Should Draft Tom Lee for Senate Race

Republican leaders may be regretting their decision to avoid state Sen. Tom Lee, who could potentially offer a strong challenge to Democratic Senator Bill Nelson in the fall. Lee, Florida Senate president from Hillsborough County, has a notable record of implementing fiscal and ethical reforms, which could provide a powerful platform for a Senate campaign. With U.S. Rep. Katherine Harris's campaign facing scandal and imploding, Republicans deserve a better choice, and Tom Lee could be the answer.

Key Takeaways:

• Tom Lee, Florida Senate president from Hillsborough County, has a record of implementing fiscal and ethical reforms, making him a strong potential candidate for the Senate.
• U.S. Rep. Katherine Harris's campaign is facing scandal and appears to be imploding due to reports of accepting illegal campaign contributions.
• Republicans deserve a choice, and Tom Lee would bring fiscal conservatism to a Congress that wants to spend, spend, spend.
• Tom Lee is a savvy legislator who knows how to build an effective team and tackle tough issues.
• He has the potential to perform well in the Tampa Bay media market, which is politically powerful.
• Tom Lee is committed to the CFO race and may not be willing to make a late jump into the Senate campaign.

Statistics:

• 1994: The year in which Tom Lee was involved in a similar campaign scandal.
• 35: Tom Rooney's age, which makes him a political novice.
• Single digit: Percentage of Democrats in the Tampa Bay area who support Tom Lee's potential Senate campaign.
• Multiple: Number of reports of Tom Rooney being approached by Republican heavyweights to run in the GOP primary.

Sources:

• "GOP Should Draft Lee For Senate Race" by The Tampa Tribune, Monday March 13, 2006, Section NATION/WORLD, Page 10.