Advertisement

Harris to lose more key campaign staffers

WASHINGTON, April 2 (UPI) -- Top aides to Rep. Katherine Harris, R-Fla., were said ready to quit her Senate campaign, the latest in a growing list of troubles for the campaign.

Harris gained national fame in 2000 as Florida Secretary of State and the Florida coordinator for George W. Bush's presidential campaign. She parlayed the recognition into a successful campaign for Congress in 2002 and was re-elected in 2004.

Advertisement

She is trying to unseat Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson in November, even though many GOP regulars reportedly had urged her not to. Harris' campaign has not been gaining much traction, and staffers have been leaving as she loses ground to Nelson in polls, The Washington Post reports.

Campaign manager Jim Dornan, finance director Mike Miller and several other staffers have already left the campaign. Dornan's replacement, Jamie Miller, veteran strategist Ed Rollins and spokeswoman Morgan Dobbs were expected to join the exodus, the Post reported.

Harris has been plagued with fundraising problems. Her campaign has accepted illegal contributions from defense contractor Mitchell Wade -- who was tied to the corruption scandal that brought down former Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham, R-Calif. -- although Harris said she didn't know the donation was illegal.

Advertisement

Latest Headlines