After stumbling out of the gate and having a hard time gaining much momentum, Rep. Katherine Harris (R.-Fla.) has settled on a core team for her stretch run against Sen. Bill Nelson (D.-Fla.).
While most names don’t mean anything to me (as opposed to my college John Gizzi, who knows them all), the one who I do know - Washington-based fundraiser Erin DeLullo - caught my eye. DeLullo is a friend, so I have only positive things to say about her, and so does National Journal’s Hotline On Call:
DeLullo's hiring speaks to Harris's evolving campaign strategy. Hint: it doesn't necessarily involve Florida. DeLullo is the chief fundraiser for OH Sec/State Ken Blackwell, another candidate popular with movement conservatives who is running without the national party's blessing. When Harris addresses movement conservative audiences out of state, she gets the loudest applause. So while she'll do her campaigning in FL, watch for her campaign to try to persuade conservatives outside FL to rally around one of their own. Whether the NRSC likes it or not.
It’s hard to understand why President Bush, the name who has Harris to thanks for winning in 2000, won’t get behind her. Regardless, it’s not going to be easy for Harris, even though she’s facing a lightweight. Money will be important, and with DeLullo running the show, it’s a move in the right direction. Considering what she’s done to boost Blackwell’s fundraising, Harris should be in good hands.
