Democratic Politics In Florida
Man threatens to run down controversial election figure
Police have arrested a man who threatened to run over US Representative Katherine Harris, the former Florida secretary of state critics blame for much of the 2000 presidential election debacle.
Police say the suspect, Barry Seltzer, said he was exercising his "political expression".
Seltzer drove his silver Cadillac toward Mrs Harris and several supporters who were campaigning in the western Florida city of Sarasota, according to the police report.
"He drove his car straight at Mrs Harris but missed her as he swerved at the last minute," the report said, adding that the US congresswoman feared for her life.
Seltzer, 47, said he only wanted to scare the group. "I intimidated them with my car," he told police.
Mrs Harris faced a storm of criticism for her role in the 2000 election when she opposed recounts that Democrats insist would have given the presidency to Al Gore.
George W Bush's 537-vote lead in Florida gave him the presidency.
A staunch Republican, Mrs Harris has been accused of running the election in a partisan manner.
The controversy, as well as her heavy make-up and angry exchanges with the media, made her a favourite of newspaper cartoonists and earned her the nickname Cruella de Ville.
abc.net.au |
