Senate Seat Showdowns

Florida CBS NEWS PROJECTS SEN. BILL NELSONWINNER Democrat Bill Nelson (Incumbent) vs. Republican Katherine Harris CBS News Race Outlook: Harris’ campaign was troubled from the get-go. Campaign manager Jim Dornan and a number of aides bolted in November. In April, the core of her campaign quit, including her campaign manager and adviser Ed Rollins, and in July five staffers left including another campaign manager. Her rocky campaign took a more Evangelical Christian bent. The St. Petersburg Times reported, "Harris’ closest confidante lately is spiritual adviser Dale Burroughs." Campaign staffers warily described Harris as leading a "Christian crusade." Advisers had told her to drop her Senate bid, but she refused. When Harris originally announced her candidacy, Gov. Jeb Bush and NRSC Chair Elizabeth Dole immediately began searching for an alternate candidate but were unsuccessful, the Washington Post reported. Also, according to the Post, Republicans "urged Harris to drop out when it became evident she had accepted contributions from Mitchell Wade, the defense contractor implicated in the massive bribery scandal surrounding former representative Randy "Duke" Cunningham." Nelson has called for a moratorium on offshore drilling in Florida’s coastal waters – something that resonated with actor Robert Redford, who hosted a New York fundraiser for him. Bill Clinton also hosted a fundraiser that reportedly brought in $500,000 for Nelson.