Senator Bill Nelson (D) of Florida holds a 23-percentage point lead over Congresswoman Katherine Harris in his bid for re-election.

Nelson, like other Democrats from "Red" states, was initially thought to be at risk in Election 2006. Recent elections have produced a growing trend towards Senate races being won by the same party that wins the state's Electoral Votes for President.

In Election 2004, with just one exception, every Senate seat that changed hands switched to the party whose candidate carried that state in the Presidential election.

However, it appears that Nelson could not have asked for a better challenger. Harris, at this point in time, only earns 59% of the vote from Republicans in Florida. Among unaffiliated voters, she trails 64% to 18%.

CrossTabs and poll results for the Governor's race are available for Premium Members.

Nelson is viewed favorably by 54% of Florida voters and unfavorably by 29%. For Harris, who became known to the nation as Secretary of State during the Election 2000 recount battles, the numbers are 34% favorable and 55% unfavorable.

Visit our Election Polls page to see a summary of our latest state-by state polling. Rasmussen Reports is polling every Senate and Governors' race at least once a month this year.

CrossTabs and poll results for the Governor's race are available for Premium Members