National Democrats have been firing salvos at freshman U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney, R-Tequesta, for months.

The national GOP recently added Rooney to its incumbent-protection program in preparation for battle.

The only thing missing is an actual challenger.

That could change soon. Democratic St. Lucie County Commissioner Chris Craft says he’s “leaning” toward entering the race in the next few weeks.

(more…)

Former Democratic state Rep. Richard Machek, who left the state House because of term limits last year and pursued a failed bid for Palm Beach County property appraiser, isn’t ruling out a comeback attempt if his successor — state Rep. Kevin Rader, D-Delray Beach — leaves the House to run for state Senate.

Rader, notwithstanding the concerns of Palm Beach County Democratic Chairman Mark Alan Siegel, is expected to give up his House District 78 seat to run in 2010 for the seat of Sen. Dave Aronberg, D-Greenacres, who’s running for attorney general.

“If he files, to tell you the truth, I probably would take a hard look at it,” said Machek, who said he’s already fielded several calls asking him to consider the House race.

Chiropractror Steven Perman, who challenged Machek in a 2006 Democratic primary and finished only 198 votes behind Rader last year, says he’ll also consider running if Rader leaves.