Former Republican Former New Hampshire Former Sen. Bob SmithAn already crowded race just got a little busier — and much stranger.
Former New Hampshire Sen. Bob Smith (R), has announced he will run for the Florida seat currently occupied by Mel Martinez, who is not seeking re-election. Why would a New Jersey native who transplanted to New Hampshire think he could represent Florida? The answer is, because he cares not a whit about what Floridians want. Bob is all about Bob, and Bob is so far to the right, the dial breaks off before it reaches him.
“I have concluded that I can no longer ‘sit on the sidelines’ in this fight for the soul of America,” Smith wrote, per the [Manchester, N.H.] Union Leader.
Smith won election to the Senate in 1990, taking over for Sen. Gordon Humphrey (R), but lost a primary battle in 2002 to then-Rep. John Sununu (R). Smith ran for president in 2000, first as a Republican, then as an Independent…
Known for being perhaps the most conservative Republican in the Senate during his tenure, Smith said he left the GOP because it had moved too far to the left. It’s a theme Smith signaled he will use again as he runs to reclaim a seat in the upper chamber.
“It’s time for Republicans to start acting like Republicans again!” Smith wrote to supporters.
Riiiiight. And what does that look like, Bob? Wait, don’t tell me. I don’t think I can stand the answer.
Smith’s chances might not be so good. While he has been a Florida resident since last year, moving to Sarasota to sell real estate (whoops!), some here might not embrace him as a true resident. Or even a true Republican. While Bob says he’s rejoined the GOP, he might be more of a Libertarian. Bob writes editorials for the Constitution Party, aka the U.S. Taxpayers’ Party.
In addition, he’s got a ton of competition, likely including U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek (D), former Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio (R), U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, North Miami Mayor Kevin Burns (D), State Sen. Dan Gelber (D), and Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio (D). Republicans are also braced for an announcement that our esteemed governor, Charlie Crist, will go for the seat.
Bob Smith is far too good a man for you wackjob anti-American Obama the evil puppet who hust handed us back to the queen drones down there.
Bob Smith sounds like a joke!
So far, I like Dan Gelber the best.
Bob Smith is a true conservative, like it or not. Is he any different than Obama the Chicago thug (from Hawaii via Kansas), or Hillary (before Arkansas, I’m not sure where) the carpetbagger from NY? Jeanne Shaheen (from somewhere in the Midwest)who n ow represents New Hampshire? I’m sure there are many others on both sides of the aisle. Get a clue this is politics.