Florida Senate race heats up a bit

Another Democrat tosses his hat in the ring, making the primary a race

Published October 7, 2009 4:20PM (EDT)

The Republican primary for Florida's open Senate seat has at least been interesting, what with conservative alternative Marco Rubio giving Florida Gov. Charlie Crist -- who should, theoretically, be cruising to victory -- a run for his money. But the Democratic primary has been an afterthought. That may have changed Wednesday.

Thus far, the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination has been Rep. Kendrick Meek, who's been all but unchallenged. On Wednesday morning, though, former Miami Mayor Maurice Ferre announced that he's getting into the race. That doesn't change Meek's frontrunner status immediately, especially as Ferre hasn't been in elected office for some time and Meek has been campaigning for a while, but it at least shakes up the race a little.

The Democratic primary's still not going to get the attention of the one on the other side of the aisle. The Republican battle is more symbolic of a divide in the party as a whole between conservatives and moderates, and of the base's desire to have conservative candidates even when it puts the general election at risk. And Crist remains a popular governor, one who's still the odds-on favorite to win.


By Alex Koppelman

Alex Koppelman is a staff writer for Salon.

MORE FROM Alex Koppelman


Related Topics ------------------------------------------

2010 Elections U.s. Senate War Room