Katherine Harris eyes bid for Congress

Harris

TALLAHASSEE, Florida (CNN) -- Florida Secretary of State Katherine Harris is putting together a campaign team for an expected run for Congress next year, a state GOP official said Tuesday.

David Johnson, executive director of the Florida Republican Party, said Harris is about to open an exploratory account.

While no official announcement is set, Johnson said he "expects" Harris to get in the race for a seat in the House of Representatives.

Harris, 44, emerged as a controversial figure during last year's Florida presidential recount as her office laid out the rules for the recounting and eventually awarded the state's 25 electoral votes to George W. Bush, handing him the White House.

Meanwhile, former Ambassador to Vietnam Pete Peterson filed papers Tuesday to enter Florida's governor's race, although sources close to Peterson say he has not yet made an official announcement.

He would join a crowded field of Democrats -- including former Attorney General Janet Reno -- who may challenge GOP governor Jeb Bush next year.