The best example of how not to lobby a senator?: According to Sen. Steve Geller, D-Hallandale Beach, death by faxes, the method used by opponents of a bill that would give local communities more control over setting manatee speed zones.

At his desk while the fax machine whirs away on the credenza behind him, Geller holds up a ream of paper, all bearing an identical message urging him to vote against Rep. Lindsay Harrington's manatee bill. Geller says he hasn't yet decided how he plans to vote on the bill at today's Natural Resources Committee meeting.

In the right-hand corner of each printed page: a single, Washington, D.C. fax number. The fax onslaught has brought his office work to a screeching halt, Geller says.

"I've had to unplug my fax machine," he complains. "I can't get any other faxes in. I can't send any faxes out. They kept me from doing any other legislative business today."

As Geller sorts through the top 20 faxes -- not a single one from one of his own constituents -- Harrington, R-Punta Gorda, patiently sits in the waiting room, there to make a last-ditch pitch for his bill.

Geller listens and tells Harrington he still hasn't made up his mind. But the faxes -- and the e-mail -- aren't doing the manatees any good.

"All they're doing is irritating me," he grouses.