Meek lines up Obama strategist for campaign

Kendrick Meek's fledgling Senate bid has landed Barack Obama's national deputy campaign manager -- Steve Hildebrand, who came to Florida at the close of the campaign.

He'll serve as Meek's campaign strategist.

"I think I'm his first significant client after this very historic election," said Meek, who campaigned vigorously for Hillary Clinton in the Democratic primary.

If state Sen. Dan Gelber throws his hat in the ring -- as expected -- the Dem primary could shape up as Steve vs. Steve, as in Steve Schale, the Florida strategist who ran Obama's successful Florida campaign.

- BETH REINHARD