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by Brent Kallestad
The Associated Press

State Rep. Willie Logan is a realist. He knows his chances of winning a U.S. Senate seat aren't good --not at the moment anyhow.

Nevertheless, Logan wants to buck the system.

Although he has little money and no political party he can rely on, Logan is committed. He isn't worried about the snickers or whispers he can't win.

"I know what I'm up against," he said after paying his filing fee last week in Tallahassee. "I understand that this is an uphill battle."

Logan, 43, hopes he's onto something. He's trying a few gimmicks and counting on picking up
a block of dissatisfied voters to make it a contest against several far better financed politicians
who have the backing of political parties.

"It's like David and Goliath," Logan said. "Some people think they can buy the election. I think
I can earn the election."

Logan is trying to map a successful Senate plan by following a 1,003-mile route walked 30 years
ago by Lawton Chiles, who went on to become senator and governor. Logan, though, will do it by
motorcycle.

"It's quicker than walking and allows time for fund-raising and other campaign activities," he
said.

Growing up black meant growing up a Democrat in Florida. But the veteran Opa-locka lawmaker
no longer has any affection for the party after he was dumped as the speaker-designate by fellow Democrats in 1998.

His candidacy has the potential to create problems for the Democratic nominee, most likely Insurance Commissioner Bill Nelson, by attracting black voters. Logan, however, contends he'll get a broad spectrum of support.

"More people are thinking independent," Logan said. "This is a trend that will grow. You're going to see more candidates running independent of the parties and more candidates getting elected." 

During stops on his Panhandle-to-the-Keys bike ride, Logan will talk about his political beliefs.

He favors investing some Social Security money in the stock market, is against tax cuts until the Social Security Trust Fund is safe, wants better pay and more benefits for members of the military, and free immunization shots for children and prescriptions for the elderly.

"I think I can build bridges where there aren't any bridges," said Logan.