Yet, 18 months from the election, not a single Republican has stepped forward to challenge the freshman Democrat. The leading reason? U.S. Rep. Katherine Harris.

The Republican star of the 2000 presidential election recount is looking at taking on Nelson, and her interest has other Republican hopefuls on ice, given the conventional wisdom that Harris would be the runaway primary favorite should she decide to run.

Harris, who was secretary of state during the 2000 recount, said she has been consumed by her district obligations but plans to make a decision soon. She will meet with her husband and advisors this week to deliberate.

'It's hard to stop and say, 'Are you going to bet the farm to run against an incumbent?'"said Harris, acknowledging that she risks losing a relatively comfortable seat in Congress to take on what would be an expensive and grueling race against Nelson. "Before I pull the trigger I want to see the plan, how we're going to be victorious."

Some Republicans are beginning to become antsy, suggesting that time is getting short for someone to start raising the millions it will require to challenge Nelson -- particularly if Harris decides against running. But as Republicans look around the state, they're at a bit of a loss to see a ready alternative [...]

Some Republicans close to Harris believe she's unlikely to run. In 2004, she tantalized supporters about running for an open U.S. Senate seat before suggesting she was a candidate, "just not yet this year."

But polls that show Harris would walk away with the Republican primary also suggest that Nelson could comfortably defeat her in a general election. What's more, Harris could prove a particularly polarizing figure for Democrats, boosting turnout for a party that is desperate to reclaim the Governor's Mansion and defend Nelson's seat.

"No question," Foley said on Friday about the prospect of running against U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, a Democrat. "I've kept it in mind. I will consider it."

Foley, whose district includes Port Chharlotte and Punta Gorda, said any decision he makes won't be contingent on Harris' decision. That's contrary to the talk that if Harris enters the race, all other prominent Republicans will bow out.

"I would not decide based on her," Foley said.

Foley dropped out of the 2004 Senate race after his father was diagnosed with cancer. The cancer is now in remission, Foley said.

Foley said his statewide contacts could help him quickly start up another campaign. Foley has more than $2 million in his campaign account, more than any other member of Congress in Florida. Foley wouldn't say when he'll make a decision.

Foley's 16th Congressional District stretches from Palm Beach County to Charlotte County.