Though his lead has slipped a few points over the past month, incumbent Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson still enjoys a comfortable lead over Republican challenger Katherine Harris. Nelson now leads Harris 54% to 37% (see crosstabs). His lead was 23 in the previous poll.

While Harris is in trouble, the state’s Governor’s race is leaning solidly in the Republican direction.

Harris emerged successfully from a four-way primary on September 5 with 49.4% of the vote to take her party’s nomination.

Fifty-five percent (55%) of voters view Nelson favorably—25% view him very favorably. Harris’ numbers are weighted at the other end of the spectrum: 53% have an unfavorable view of her including 39% in the “very unfavorable” category.

Nelson maintains another distinct advantage over Harris: fundraising. The most recent financial disclosure statements show Nelson’s campaign sitting on approximately $12 million as the campaign enters crunch time. Harris’ campaign has just $2.2 million on hand.

When asked to identify the issues of greatest importance to them, Florida’s voters say national security (25%), the economy (23%) and the war in Iraq (20%.)

Regarding the war in Iraq, Florida voters are evenly divided as to whether the war is part of the overall war on terror or a distraction from it.

Voters place their trust with Republicans when it comes to matters concerning national security (49%), immigration (42%) and taxes (45%.) Democrats are trusted more than Republicans when it comes to Iraq (49%) and the economy (47%.)

Crosstabs are available for Premium Members only.