In 2002, Republican stalwart Katherine Harris, famed for her dubious ruling to stop a key recount during the disputed 2000 presidential election, violated Florida election law by failing to resign as secretary of state in time to run for Congress (in Florida's 13 district). Her 'solution'? Backdating her resignation letter.

Perhaps fittingly, Harris, whose name has become a byword for ethical compromise, was opposed in the Republican primary by a dog whose owner mounted a write-in campaign.

[Democratic spokesperson Kim Rubey promised that her party would put up a fight: "As long as she's not the person counting the votes," Rubey remarked, "there is no question that this seat will be very competitive."]