Republican Rep. Katherine Harris, who as Florida's secretary of state was both praised and vilified for her part in the 2000 presidential recount, said Tuesday she will run for the Senate next year against Democratic incumbent Bill Nelson.
Her announcement brings a major name to the race — along with the potential to attract huge infusions of cash from Republicans and Democrats alike because she is such a polarizing figure.
"The time has come to launch a campaign for the U.S. Senate," Harris told The Associated Press.
Harris, 48, is serving her second term in Congress. She is considered a top fundraiser and is a popular figure among Republicans.
But she is also despised by some Democrats for her role in overseeing the recount that ultimately gave Florida and the White House to George W. Bush over Al Gore. And her entry into the race could galvanize Democratic voters and contributors.