Florida Sen. Bob Graham ended his bid for the presidency after struggling to gain momentum or raise cash in the crowded Democratic field, while leaving open the possibility of another Senate campaign or even a vice presidential run if asked. . . . Graham said he has not decided whether he would run for re-election to his Senate seat, which he has held since 1987. He declined to endorse any of the remaining Democratic presidential candidates, saying any would be preferable to President Bush, even if they supported the war in Iraq. He would not rule out accepting a vice presidential nomination. "Graham Ends Democratic Presidential Bid".
[T]he three-term senator and former Florida governor announced his decision during a brief appearance on CNN's "Larry King Live." He is the first contender to leave the race, and his withdrawal comes about 3 1/2 months before the first crucial test for the candidates — the Iowa caucuses on Jan. 19. "Lagging Graham Quits Democratic Presidential Race".
DON'T MISS THIS -So Florida could provide the drugs and the patient counseling for less money if the state drove a harder bargain. If Gov. Bush runs the state like a business, why agree to a deal that gives all the benefit to Pfizer? It's a mystery. "Payoff for Pfizer, not for state".
Of course, its really no mystery: Only one gubernatorial candidate got money [from Pfizer]. It was Jeb Bush, and he got $500, the legal limit for individual candidates. The largest recipient, by far, was the Republican Party of Florida, which got $140,000 from Pfizer. There are no limits on contributions to parties.
PREPARE TO BE SHOCKED -Almost two-thirds of the Republicans in the House, including Speaker Johnnie Byrd . . . scored perfect marks on the Christian Coalition of Florida's annual report card. . . . The scorecard closely follows two other conservative checklists, compiled by Associated Industries of Florida and the Florida Chamber of Commerce, which also gave Republicans high marks. "Conservative groups laud GOP".
WHOOPEE -Gov. Jeb Bush is devoting more and more time to being a big salesman of Miami as the ideal site for the headquarters of the yet-to-be created free trade area covering the Western Hemisphere. "Bush seeks Miami headquarters".