http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGAYG7MSKMD.htmlFlorida's Sen. Graham Announces He Won't Seek Re-Election to Fourth Term in 2004
By Brent Kallestad
Associated Press Writer
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Sen. Bob Graham, who ended his bid for the Democratic nomination for president last month, announced Monday that he will not seek re-election to a fourth term in the U.S. Senate. <snip>
Graham is the fourth Southern Democrat to announce plans to retire at the end of his term, giving Republicans opportunities for strong gains in a region of the country where President Bush figures to run strongly in 2004. Sens. Zell Miller of Georgia, John Edwards of North Carolina and Ernest "Fritz" Hollings of South Carolina earlier said they wouldn't seek re-election to the Senate. <snip>
Graham's chief of staff notified the other Democratic campaigns shortly before the senator made the announcement.
Five Democrats had declared for Graham's Senate seat but said they wouldn't challenge Graham if he sought re-election: U.S. Reps. Allen Boyd, Peter Deutsch and Alcee Hastings, Miami-Dade Mayor Alex Penelas and former state Education Commissioner Betty Castor. <snip>