In her 16 years in the House, Brown has courted a considerable amount of controversy. These problems have led to spirited challenges from African-American Republicans Bill Randall and Jennifer Carroll, both of who were unable to defeat Brown.

In May 2009, Brown joined the race to replace retiring Sen. Mel Martinez (R) by forming a Senate exploratory committee that will allow her to raise money and campaign. Rep. Kendrick Meek (D) had already announced his intention to run and the likely general election opponent appeared Florida Gov. Charlie Crist (R).

But Brown never mounted a campaign, which was probably fortunate as it was a great Republican year that forced Crist to run an independent as Marco Rubio (R) surged to a victory, easily defeating Meek and the governor in a three-way race.

Show less