Posted on 06/21/2005 4:49:49 AM PDT by BlackRazor
Mason-Dixon Poll shows Nelson leads Harris in race for U.S. Senate
By WPTV staff
June 20, 2005
Democratic Senator Bill Nelson is an early re-election favorite for 2006, as he currently holds a sizeable over advantage over just-announced Republican challenger Katherine Harris. Statewide, 53% of voters currently support Nelson, while 36% back Harris and 11% are undecided.
Nelson is running very strong among Democratic voters, topping Harris by an overwhelming 86%-8% margin. Nelson also leads among independents 54%-27%, while Harris is ahead among Republicans 64%-17%.
Nelsons solid base among Democrats is also evident by his strength in South Florida (60%-29%) and African-American voters (89%-3%). He also leads in the remaining three regions of the state including Republican-leaning North Florida (48%-37%) and Central Florida (53%-34%).
At present, the key to the race is that Harris remains a polarizing figure with Florida voters. Nelson, on the other hand, appears to be carrying little political baggage. Statewide, 44% have a favorable opinion of Nelson and only 10% have an unfavorable view. Voters are split on Harris, with almost as many having an unfavorable opinion of her (30%) as having a favorable opinion (32%).
Both for governor, but not for senator, correct?
How do you figure that? All the polls I've seen show Harris would cruise to an easy primary win against all-comers, even Tommy Franks, if he chose to run.
Correct for Govenor
I don't think she could beat the Speaker of the House if Jeb, KR, and the establishment get behind him. I think this is a mute point anyway, she will cave under pressure and withdraw from the race.
"I don't think she could beat the Speaker of the House if Jeb, KR, and the establishment get behind him. I think this is a mute point anyway, she will cave under pressure and withdraw from the race."
I disagree. I think she realizes that this is her last chance for a major statewide office. Crist is likely to win as governor, and possibly serve multiple terms (as Jeb did), and Martinez isn't leaving his Senate seat anytime soon.
What does she have to gain by withdrawing? And she's still very popular with rank-and-file Republicans who remember her heroic efforts to combat vote fraud in south Florida.
If I were her advisor, I'd recommend that she take a strong stand against illegal immigration. That would give her a distinct advantage against any Rove-backed candidate.
She cannot defy Bush/Bush/Rove, and if they tell her not to run then that's that. But, on a more positive note, can anyone say "Ambassador Harris?"
She's a loser.
"She cannot defy Bush/Bush/Rove, and if they tell her not to run then that's that."
Isn't that a qualification to be a Republican Senator nowdays? You need to go on tv, and criticize the president as you court favor with the MSM.
I have no respect for, nor do I fee any loyalty to any Republican Senator who disses President Bush, that's why I would never vote for John McCain for President. But, I recently read that McCain has made "peace" with the Bush camp (Mark McKinnon gearing up to work for McCain in 08), he wants the President's political machine to back him in 08.
However, we should all be a teensy bit grateful for Senator Nelson provided us with this marvelous photo op:
I don't buy this spread though. Multiple other polls have shown much lower favorability for Nelson and better H2H performance for Harris and other Pubs.
A fairly safe seat in the US House rather than a defeat to Nelson and an end to her 15 minutes?
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