09.05.2003

Foley drops out of Republican race for Senate seat

By KEN THOMAS, Associated Press

U.S. Rep. Mark Foley announced Friday he is dropping his Senate bid, telling supporters in a letter that his father's battle with cancer would prevent him from pursuing the campaign.

The congressman, first elected to the House in 1994, said he will seek re-election instead.

The decision leaves four Republicans vying for the Senate seat held by Democratic presidential hopeful Bob Graham, who has not said whether he will seek another term.

The race is one of four in the South the GOP has targeted in its effort to increase its slim majority in Senate. The Republicans holds a 51-48 advantage, one independent leans Democratic, and they hope to capture open seats in Georgia and South Carolina and challenge in North Carolina, where Sen. John Edwards is also seeking the presidency.

Foley, who said he had a campaign war chest of nearly $3 million when he announced his candidacy in July, wrote in the letter to supporters that he began reconsidering his political future after his father, Ed, was diagnosed with cancer about two weeks ago.

"For the past 49 years of my life, both of my parents have been at my side every step of the way," Foley wrote. "Until recently, they have attended virtually every candidate forum, fund-raiser and community event in which I've participated.

"Now it is my turn to be there when they need me."

Foley said he would return political contributions to any donor who wanted a refund.

In a Republican primary field laden with conservatives, Foley was more moderate on social issues such as abortion and gay rights. In May, he took the unusual step of calling a news conference to denounce a report in an alternative newspaper that he is gay. He declined to answer questions, saying his sexual preference had no bearing on his duties as a lawmaker.

The field of Republicans still seeking Graham's Senate seat includes state House Speaker Johnnie Byrd, state Sen. Daniel Webster, former U.S. Rep. Bill McCollum and U.S. Rep. Dave Weldon.

Democrats exploring the race include former state Education Commissioner Betty Castor, U.S. Reps. Peter Deutsch, Alcee Hastings and Allen Boyd, and Miami-Dade Mayor Alex Penelas. None of the Democrats plans to challenge Graham if he runs for re-election.

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