Crazy Joe Carollo Hints at State Senate Run

​So Joe Carollo never did make that last-minute, dramatic entrance into the last mayoral race, but one of Miami's most colorful former mayors is apparently gearing up for a return to elected office.

According to Naked Politics, he has his eyes on a state Senate seat in District 36. But he'd be running against two well-known politicians in the Republican primary to replace termed-out Alex Diaz de la Portilla: former county commissioner Miguel Diaz de la Portilla (Alex's brother), and state Rep. Julio Robaina.

"If I ran, it's because I feel I could do a much better job than either one of them. I think I could create more consensus. I think I'd be in a position to bring more to Miami than they would," Carollo told Naked Politics.

Carollo served as mayor from 1996 to 2001, with a quick break in between while absentee ballots brought allegations of voter fraud against his opponent Xavier Suarez. Carollo's brother serves on the City of Miami commission. With three Miami power players, this might turn into one of the hottest local races in 2010.