Nelson Contemplating Run for Governor?

BRADENTON – Former Republican Governor Charlie Crist's recent filing to seek the Democratic nomination for the office in 2014 has been all of the talk in Florida politics. However, rumors that the state's senior U.S. Senator, Bill Nelson, will enter the race began to sound like more than rumors this week.

Senator Bill Nelson

While Nelson's staff has remained mum, friends and political insiders close to him are publicly stating that they believe the 71 year-old Senator will enter the race.

Over the last decade, Senator Nelson has been far and away the most successful Democrat in Florida, easily beating back Republican challenges by Katherine Harris and Connie Mack IV in his campaigns for re-election, even while Republicans were winning nearly every other statewide office by wide margins.

A moderate Democrat, Nelson's ability to pull votes from independents and even moderate Republicans, as well as very solid support from the senior community are seen as his electoral strengths.

Meanwhile, Crist has won the support of many of Florida's biggest Democratic donors, while veterans of President Obama's Florida campaigns have also been lining up behind the former governor. Nelson is said to be watching the party's response to Crist before making a final decision.