Washington, DC — As DCspectator has recently trashed the electoral prospects of Florida GOP Senate candidate Katherine Harris, former Harris pollster David Hill — a smart guy — offers an intelligent, reasoned counterpoint.
While her campaign remains a likely general election debacle, and the rationale for her candidacy remains elusive, to say the least, here’s what Hill has to say in his column in the Capitol Hill newspaper, The Hill:
“Harris is going to win this election. Her advantages start with her celebrity status, coupled with the low expectations that surround her bid. Let’s face it: Voters today are more interested in celebrities than in
politicians. And because of the nature of criticism that the media have aimed at Harris, people will expect her to disappoint. But when voters see Katherine as she really is — a smart, vivacious and engaging woman — they will be shocked. Pleasantly shocked. There is no way that Katherine Harris won’t exceed expectations, and that’s a major plus.
But Nelson will always underperform his resume. He’s a yawner. Another key advantage for Harris is her standing in what I call ‘Old Florida.’ I don’t mean among senior citizens but rather among voters whose families have lived in Florida for generations. This is a relatively small yet key swing vote.
Nelson ultimately will be perceived as more liberal than any FL Dem elected in modern times and his demonstrably liberal voting record will send voters to Harris. She could appeal to moderate voters, as she’s devoted herself to a long-standing commitment to environmental protection issues. She has also developed an impressive set of accomplishments and credentials on affordable-housing issues.”