Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (R) and White House officials are encouraging Florida House Speaker Allan Bense (R) to "challenge fellow Republican Katherine Harris for the U.S. Senate, fearing her candidacy would damage the GOP's chances in that race and the governor's contest next year," the Orlando Sentinel reports.
"The behind-the-scenes maneuvering appears to negate what was widely viewed as a deal that kept Harris out of the 2004 Senate campaign in exchange for her party's support" in a 2006 race against Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL).
"Courting a rival Republican for Harris is a volatile move for the governor and his brother. It violates the political axiom that leaders should avoid picking favorites in primary fights and raises questions of loyalty in a family that puts great weight in that virtue."