Big Dem fundraiser may run for U.S. Senate

Chris Korge is talking about running for U.S. Senate in 2010.

"I’m like, why not? It is America," Korge said.

Korge, 53, of Coral Gables, is one of the Democratic Party's biggest and best-known bundlers. He raised millions for Sen. Hillary Clinton's presidential run. (He's tight with the Clinton family.) He even hosted Sen. Barack Obama at his home a few months ago, raising more than $5-million.

Korge wouldn't be the first Clinton fundraiser considering public office. This week, former Democratic National Committee chairman Terry McAuliffe said he's exploring a run for governor of Virginia.

Korge is a real estate developer who worked briefly in local government in South Florida years ago. But he's among the top behind-the-scenes fundraisers in Florida Democratic politics. Korge says he's considering stepping in front of the curtain.

"I've been inspired to reach new heights by Obama," Korge said. "I think I have a lot to contribute if I was able to get elected."

Korge said he's not afraid of losing, although he'd run to win. He also said he's not going to "not run" just because someone like CFO Alex Sink or state Sen. Dan Gelber are in the running for the seat.

"Too many times, I've taken a step backwards for somebody else," he said. "I think I really have something unique to offer."

He said he's talking it over with his family and business partners and will make a decision soon.

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Comments

Buh-Bye, Mel! Buh-Bye!

Seriously- you think a corrupt LOBBYIST will be elected? No way Korge survives a Democratic Primary. One thing is for sure though. BYE BYE Mel Martinez

Why not? Well for starters, you look like Uncle Fester in that mugshot.

Raul Martinez said "why not?" and look what happened to him.....

If he runs, Dan Gelber may not be able to beat him. Gelber was pretty late giving his support to Obama and this guy raised over $5 million.

[terminator]

Korge has a questionable past and would garner zero support outside Miami-Dade.
Should he choose to run he will learn the same lesson his buddy and benefactor Alex Penellas learned, he will be drubbed mercilessly and Floridians don't like liberal weenie sc*mb*g lobbyists from Dade County.
His candidacy would make about as much sense as Jack Abramoff running for the R's!

[smartguy]

gelber announced for obama right after session ended (he told media he would wait til then) and asap went to work as one of the most active obama surrogates in florida.

10:00

"active" really?

[Epol]

It's Sink's if she wants it.

Korge will be much more formidable than you think in a primary, but he'll get crushed in the general.

Korge is smart and tough, and has the bucks to be credible.

Gelber's the next U.S. Attorney in Miami. He's lobbying 24/7 for it. He's certainly qualified and deserves it.

It's just as well since he won't raise much money for his Senate run, which was always wishful thinking.

I wouldn't be surprised if Gelber ends up as Attorney General in the second Obama administration.

That's a heck of a better career track than finsihing 3rd in a 3-way Senate primary, or staying in the state senate.

sink is an idiot

Sorry Korge.

We need someone with a base of support, a record in office, who will win.

Alex Sink, Ron Klein, Kathy Castor, Dave Aronberg, Pam Iorio, Jim Davis, Rod Smith.

[Bill]

Y'll are giving Florida's Democrats too much credit. We are talking about the party that failed to pick up seats in the Legislature last week, right?

Mel wins in a route.

How about Atwater or McCollum for the seat?

I think Robert Wexler should run for the Senate. Wexler has a wealth of experience in the House and would be great in the Senate. Sink should run for Governor and Aronberg for Attorney General. Rod Smith would be a good candidate for AG Commissioner. Jim Davis would be a good candidate for CFO.

[Fix Florida]

Our nation and our state both have the worst budget problems in the past century and we need someone who is not a politician, but a sucessful business person to get involved. Korge is a very wealthy developer and business man and fits the profile.

I think he should go for it. He can obviously raise money and we all know he could write a huge check.

I for one would join the team!!!

Korge is a complete slime ball, he wouldn't stand a chance. He might be able to raise some money, but no one would ever mistake Chris for a candidate. I've also heard that he has somewhat of a checkered past. Not a good idea Chris. Stay at home, raise money for Dems (he signed on for Obama way late (was a huge HRC guy) and his son was on Obama's finance committee, so they both take credit for the 5 million raised at his house) Chris, do everyone a favor and just raise money for whoever the nominee is.

Rod Smith should run for Ag Commissioner. Gelber should run for Attorney General, and let Alex run for US Senate. Jim Davis is DONE, and should have never run for Governor in the first place. That was one of the worst run campaigns of all time.

If Alex ran for US Senate would she have to give up her CFO job to do so, with the new law the legislature enacted last year?

[realitycheck]

gelber as a former federal prosecutor has been the only effective democrat in state government. the other side respects and fears him.

7:02: Sink would have to give her seat up anyway since it is her re-election year. Either she runs for re-election or something else.

Well each day brings new and truly astounding news. Chris Korge couldn't win a Dade county house race much less a US Senate race. This guy is an ego maniac. Unreal. He has issues; trust me. Let's see, he helped Rod Smith, and messed up that campaign. He was a consultant for Hillary. How did that work out? Simple test here for seeing if he would be a good candidate or public servant; ask his wife? Actually run Chris, it would provide Sarah Palin like comedy to race.

Raising campaign donations as a qualification for public office? Fancy that?

I needed a good laugh today.

CK can raise the cash, is a succesful businessman, well connected with the Obama administration, a South Florida native (born and raised) well known in local and state politics, a life long Democrat, and consistently involved in philanthropic causes with his wife. What else do you need?? I say he has a better than even chance. He can be good for Florida.

Nice Post Korge at 8:18 am Glad to see you up that early