Foley Replacement Says He's Ready for Battle

STUART, Fla., Oct. 6, 2006 — -- The scandal over former Rep. Mark Foley's Internet messages to congressional pages has raised the heat on the GOP leadership in Washington, but in Florida, the Republican running as Foley's congressional replacement says he's keeping his cool -- despite the fact that voters will have to punch Foley's name on the ballot to choose him.

"I think voters are pretty smart and sophisticated," said state Rep. Joe Negron. "I think they can have two thoughts in their mind at the same time."

Negron told ABC News Radio's Donna Rapado that he had been in a whirlwind since being chosen to replace Foley on Monday.

But, he said, he's ready for his truncated campaign against Tim Mahoney, the Democratic candidate for Foley's seat, thanks to the overwhelming support from the GOP and those in his district.

Negron now has a new campaign manager, new headquarters in Stuart, Fla., and the drive to keep his congressional district Republican, as it has been for 25 years.

He also will be able to transfer nearly $1 million to his congressional campaign left over from his run for Florida attorney general earlier this year.

Negron said he was determined to plow through the noise of the Foley scandal and its fallout -- and he believes voters can look beyond it.

"We believe in personal responsibility," he said. "So I feel like if I can make my case to voters in the next five weeks, they can make an informed decision. And that's all I ask."