Could Cruella DeVille be first victim of backlash?

With her campaign plagued by her association with the Abromoff scandal, and her obvious bizarre and vapid persona, Kathleen Harris's campaign for Senate is coming unglued.

Could it be that cosmic justice is finally catching up to Harris?

TALLAHASSEE -- U.S. Rep. Katherine Harris will end speculation next week about her U.S. Senate campaign, either getting out under pressure from the party she was loyal to during the 2000 presidential recount or forging ahead in spite of it.

Harris canceled plans Saturday to attend the Southern Republican Leadership Conference in Memphis, Tenn., and instead sent a statement about her candidacy to unseat Democratic incumbent Bill Nelson.

"While there has been much speculation in recent days concerning my campaign, and our party faces challenges in this midterm election, I am confident with your dedication and commitment, we shall be victorious in November," she said.

However, her statement was vague, not saying whether Harris thought she would be victorious. Rather, it said she would "prayerfully prepare with my family, friends and advisers to finalize the strategy for a major announcement next week concerning my candidacy for the U.S. Senate."

Her campaign, which has had difficulties since she announced her plans last summer, faced another setback recently after reports that she received illegal campaign contributions from the same man who bribed former U.S. Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham, R-Calif.

Harris has been under pressure from GOP leaders to get out, but she has a fierce streak of independence. She could decide to buck Republican leaders under the belief that the party's base in Florida supports her, or she could bow out to a candidate that others believe could defeat Nelson.

Harris told The Associated Press on Wednesday that she wasn't dropping out, but the pressure to do so has continued. Much of that is because of reports she received illegal campaign contributions from MZM Inc., which hoped to receive $10 million in federal money to set up a Navy counterintelligence program in her district.

NOTE: Crooks & Liars has a very interesting clip up of Ms. Harris' appearance on Hannity & Colmes in which she seemed very determined to show off her ..er... campaign assets.