Nelson has "fed" enough interest groups to create issues.
Nelson, for example came out in support of boy scouts once. (only once that I know of)
He also is a member of the old political elite and has enough inside conections with unions. This is much like Lawton Chiles (despite his effort to change the FL constitution to impose an income tax) and Gov/Sen Graham (despite his loosing it otherwise).
It would be folly to NOT see Nelson as a strong candidate. He has not any fatal mistakes.
The candidates who stood a chance of beating nelson have bowed out.
It is why I think his FMA vote can be used against him.
I didn't dismiss Nelson as a candidate, I just said that Harris, in my opinion, has as good a chance as any at beating him, especially if the President, Jeb, Rove, the RNC, and the State Republican machine get behind her. I wouldn't underestimate Harris as a candidate, I think she showed in 2000 and 2002 she's not afraid to take the heat.