United States Senate election in Florida, 2012

United States Senate election in Florida, 2012

November 6, 2012

Turnout 63.5% (voting eligible)[1]   Nominee Bill Nelson Connie Mack IV Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 4,523,451 3,458,267 Percentage 55.23% 42.23%

County results

U.S. Senator before election Bill Nelson Democratic Elected U.S. Senator Bill Nelson[2] Democratic

The 2012 United States Senate election in Florida was held on November 6, 2012, alongside a presidential election, other elections to the United States Congress, as well as various state and local elections. The primary election was held August 14, 2012. Incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Bill Nelson won re-election to a third term, defeating Republican U.S. Representative Connie Mack IV by 13%, winning 55% - 42%. Nelson defeated Mack by over 1 million votes.

Democratic primary

Candidates

• Bill Nelson, incumbent U.S. Senator
• Glenn Burkett^[3]

Results

Democratic primary results
Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Bill Nelson (Incumbent)	684,804	78.7
	Democratic	Glenn Burkett	184,815	21.3
Total votes			869,619	100

Republican primary

Candidates

Qualified

• Connie Mack IV, U.S. Representative^[4][5]
• Mike McCalister, university professor and 2010 candidate for Governor^[6]
• Marielena Stuart, conservative activist and journalist^[7]
• Dave Weldon, former U.S. Representative^[8]

Withdrew

• Alexander George, businessman, political activist and minister^[9]
• Mike Haridopolos, President of the Florida Senate^[10]
• Adam Hasner, former Florida House of Representatives majority leader^[11] (Running for U.S. House of Representatives)^[12]
• Craig Miller, former CEO of Ruth's Chris Steak House and unsuccessful 2010 candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives (Running for U.S. House of Representatives)^[13]
• Ron Rushing, businessman (Running for state senate)^[14]
• George LeMieux, former U.S. Senator^[15]

Declined

• Jeffrey Atwater, Chief Financial Officer of Florida^[16]
• Allan Bense, former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives^[17]
• Vern Buchanan, U.S. Representative^[18]
• Jeb Bush, former Florida governor^[19]
• Dean Cannon, Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives^[20]
• Nicholas M. Loeb, businessman^[21]
• Will McBride, attorney and candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2006^[22]
• Tom Rooney, U.S. Representative^[23]
• Chris Ruddy, founder and CEO of Newsmax^[24]
• Allen West, U.S. Representative^[25][26]

Polling

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	George LeMieux	Connie Mack IV	Mike McCalister	Dave Weldon	Someone else	Other/ Undecided
Public Policy Polling	July 26–29, 2012	500	± 4.4%	—	47%	10%	14%	6%	23%
Quinnipiac	June 12–18, 2012	698	± 3.7%	8%	41%	5%	3%	1%	39%
Public Policy Polling	May 31–June 3, 2012	448	± 4.6%	13%	34%	10%	6%	9%	28%

Endorsements

Endorsements for George LeMieux
Haley Barbour, former Governor of Mississippi[27] State Senator Paula Dockery[28] State Senator Nancy Detert[28] State Senator Rene Garcia[29] State Representative Clay Ford[28] State Representative Fred Costello[29] State Representative Charles Van Zant[29] Businessman and former 2012 Presidential Candidate Herman Cain

Endorsements for Connie Mack

Mitt Romney, presumptive nominee of the Republican Party for President of the United States in the 2012 election and former Governor of Massachusetts.[30] Jeb Bush, former Governor of Florida, brother of President George W. Bush and Son of President George H. W. Bush (R-FL)[31] Connie Mack III, former U.S. Senator (R-FL) and Mack's father Mary Bono Mack, U.S. Congresswoman (R-CA) and Mack's wife Ron Paul,U.S congressman and 2012 Presidential Candidate Rand Paul, U.S. Senator (R-KY)[32] Mike Lee, U.S. Senator (R-UT)[33] Luis Fortuno, Governor of Puerto Rico[34] Jeff Miller, U.S. Representative[35] Tom Rooney, U.S. Representative[36] Pam Bondi, Attorney General of Florida[37] Adam Putnam, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and former Congressman[38] Sean Hannity, author and talk show host[39] Mike Haridopolos, State Senator and Senate President (R-FL)[40] GOProud[41]

Results

Republican primary results
Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Connie Mack IV	657,331	58.7
	Republican	Dave Weldon	226,083	20.2
	Republican	Mike McCalister	155,421	13.9
	Republican	Marielena Stuart	81,808	7.3
Total votes			1,120,643	100

General election

General election results
Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Democratic	Bill Nelson (Incumbent)	4,523,451	55.2	-5.1
	Republican	Connie Mack IV	3,458,267	42.2	+4.1
	Independent	Bill Gaylor	126,079	1.5	n/a
	Independent	Chris Borgia	82,089	1.0	n/a
	Write-ins		60	0.0	n/a
Majority			1,065,184	13.0	-9.2
Turnout			8,189,946
	Democratic hold		Swing

Candidates

• Bill Nelson (Democratic), incumbent U.S. Senator
• Connie Mack IV (Republican), U.S. Congressman
• Chris Borgia (Independent), Iraq War Veteran^[42]
• Bill Gaylor (Independent), Owner, Bill and Sheila Gaylor Insurance^[43]

Debates

A debate hosted by Leadership Florida/Florida Press Association occurred on October 17 at the Nova Southeastern University campus in Davie.

• Complete video of debate, C-SPAN, October 17, 2012

Fundraising

Candidate (party)	Receipts	Disbursements	Cash on hand	Debt
Bill Nelson (D)	$13,404,998	$15,494,167	$994,324	$0
Connie Mack (R)	$7,272,224	$7,526,150	$155,076	$81,880
Chris Borgia (I)	$12,344	$12,198	$145	$9,950
Bill Gaylor (I)	$19,604	$19,195	$0	$0
Source: Federal Election Commission[44][45][46][47]

Top contributors

Bill Nelson	Contribution	Connie Mack	Contribution	Bill Gaylor	Contribution
Morgan & Morgan	$138,150	Club for Growth	$189,168	Bill & Sheila Gaylor Insurance Professionals	$7,905
Finmeccanica S.p.A.	$71,967	Elliott Management Corporation	$46,997	Circle Redmont	$1,432
InDyne, Inc.	$64,735	Koch Industries	$33,500
Harris Corporation	$59,750	Vestar Capital Partners	$32,000
Akerman Senterfitt LLP	$59,300	Island Doctors	$27,400
Greenberg Traurig	$52,589	Adams & Diaco	$25,000
Kindred Healthcare	$21,000	Health Management Associates	$21,000
Holland & Knight	$46,747	Flo-Sun Inc	$18,500
Leon Medical Centers	$45,800	US Sugar Corporation	$18,000
Vestar Capital Partners	$40,650	MasTec, Inc.	$17,800
Source: Center for Responsive Politics[48]

Top industries

Bill Nelson	Contribution	Connie Mack	Contribution	Bill Gaylor	Contribution
Lawyers/Law firms	$2,383,484	Retired	$885,121	Retired	$1,500
Retired	$938,280	Republican/Conservative	$412,944
Real Estate	$606,253	Financial Institutions	$360,334
Health Professionals	$529,282	Real Estate	$298,642
Lobbyists	$493,087	Leadership PACs	$280,500
Financial Institutions	$418,915	Misc Finance	$216,836
Hospitals/Nursing Homes	$364,617	Health Professionals	$199,159
Leadership PACs	$337,000	Lawyers/Law Firms	$169,921
Insurance Industry	$319,788	Petroleum Industry	$136,400
Health Services/HMOs	$276,500	Business Services	$128,777
Source: Center for Responsive Politics[49]

Independent expenditures

In early October 2012, Crossroads GPS announced it would launch a $16 million advertising buy in national races, of which four were this and three other Senate elections.^[50] In Florida, the money was to be spent by its affiliate, American Crossroads.^[50]

Polling

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Bill Nelson (D)	Connie Mack IV (R)	Other	Undecided
Public Policy Polling	November 3–4, 2012	955	± 3.2%	51%	46%	—	3%
Angus Reid Public Opinion	November 1–3, 2012	525	± 4.3%	53%	45%	2%	—
Mason-Dixon	October 30–November 1, 2012	800	± 3.5%	49%	43%	4%	—
NBC/WSJ/Marist	October 30–November 1, 2012	1,545	± 2.5%	52%	43%	1%	5%
Reuters/Ipsos	October 29–31, 2012	716	± 4.2%	52%	42%	1%	6%
Gravis Marketing	October 30, 2012	549	± 4.2%	49%	46%	—	5%
Zogby/Newsmax	October 27–29, 2012	828	± 3.5%	50%	41%	—	9%
Zogby/Newsmax	October 26–28, 2012	827	± 3.5%	50%	41%	—	9%
Public Policy Polling	October 26–28, 2012	687	± 3.7%	50%	42%	—	9%
CBS/Quinnipiac University	October 23–28, 2012	1,073	± 3.0%	52%	39%	—	9%
WFLA-TV/SurveyUSA	October 25–27, 2012	595	± 4.1%	48%	41%	4%	7%
Rasmussen Reports	October 25, 2012	750	± 4.0%	49%	46%	2%	3%
Mason-Dixon	October 22–24, 2012	625	± 4.0%	47%	44%	—	9%
Sunshine State News/VSS	October 22–24, 2012	1,001	± 3.1%	49%	44%	—	7%
Pharos Research	October 19–21, 2012	759	± 3.6%	52%	44%	—	5%
Angus Reid Public Opinion	October 18–20, 2012	502	± 4.5%	56%	39%	4%	—
Rasmussen Reports	October 18, 2012	750	± 4.0%	48%	43%	2%	7%
Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers/WPTV	October 17–18, 2012	800	± 4.0%	45%	41%	—	14%
SurveyUSA	October 17–18, 2012	600	± 4.1%	48%	40%	4%	8%
Public Policy Polling	October 12–14, 2012	791	± 3.4%	45%	37%	—	18%
Rasmussen Reports	October 11, 2012	750	± 4.0%	46%	45%	5%	5%
TBT/Miami Herald	October 8–10, 2012	800	± 3.5%	47%	42%	4%	7%
NBC/WSJ/Marist Poll	October 7–9, 2012	988	± 3.1%	52%	39%	—	9%
University of North Florida	October 1–9, 2012	800	± 3.5%	50%	40%	—	10%
Rasmussen Reports	October 4, 2012	500	± 4.5%	52%	41%	1%	6%
NBC/WSJ/Marist Poll	September 30–October 1, 2012	890	± 3.3%	52%	41%	—	7%
Suffolk University	September 27–30, 2012	600	± 4.0%	40%	34%	5%	20%
TBT/Miami Herald	September 17–19, 2012	800	± 3.5%	48%	40%	—	11%
Fox News Poll	September 16–18, 2012	829	± 3.0%	49%	35%	2%	12%
Rasmussen Reports	September 12, 2012	500	± 4.5%	47%	40%	5%	8%
NBC/WSJ/Marist Poll	September 9–11, 2012	980	± 3.1%	51%	37%	—	12%
SurveyUSA	September 7–9, 2012	596	± 4.1%	47%	36%	3%	9%
Public Policy Polling	August 31–September 2, 2012	1,548	± 2.5%	45%	38%	—	17%
Quinnipiac	August 15–21, 2012	1,241	± 2.8%	50%	41%	—	9%
Rasmussen Reports	August 15, 2012	500	± 4.5%	47%	40%	3%	10%
Quinnipiac	July 24–30, 2012	1,177	± 2.9%	47%	40%	1%	12%
Public Policy Polling	July 26–29, 2012	871	± 3.3%	45%	43%	—	13%
Survey USA	July 17–19, 2012	647	± 3.9%	42%	48%	2%	8%
Mason-Dixon	July 9–11, 2012	800	± 3.5%	47%	42%	—	11%
Rasmussen Reports	July 9, 2012	500	± 4.5%	37%	46%	7%	10%
Quinnipiac	June 19–25, 2012	1,200	± 2.8%	41%	40%	1%	17%
Quinnipiac	June 12–18, 2012	1,697	± 2.4%	43%	39%	—	15%
Public Policy Polling	May 31–June 3, 2012	642	± 3.9%	49%	36%	—	15%
Marist	May 17–20, 2012	1,078	± 3.0%	46%	42%	—	12%
Quinnipiac	May 15–21, 2012	1,722	± 2.4%	41%	42%	3%	15%
Rasmussen Reports	April 25, 2012	500	± 4.5%	47%	36%	10%	7%
Public Policy Polling	April 12–15, 2012	700	± 3.7%	47%	37%	—	17%
Quinnipiac	March 20–26, 2012	1,228	± 2.8%	44%	36%	3%	17%
Rasmussen Reports	March 13, 2012	500	± 4.5%	36%	43%	5%	16%
Rasmussen Reports	February 13, 2012	500	± 4.5%	41%	41%	5%	12%
Mason-Dixon	January 24–26, 2012	800	± 3.5%	45%	42%	—	13%
Suffolk University	January 22–24, 2012	600	± 4.4%	42%	32%	1%	25%
Quinnipiac	January 4–8, 2012	1,412	± 2.6%	41%	40%	1%	16%
Public Policy Polling	November 28–December 1, 2011	700	± 3.7%	46%	35%	—	19%
Rasmussen Reports	November 17, 2011	500	± 4.5%	39%	43%	5%	13%
Quinnipiac	October 31–November 7, 2011	1,185	± 2.9%	42%	40%	1%	16%
Public Policy Polling	March 24–27, 2011	500	± 4.4%	47%	34%	—	18%
Mason-Dixon	February 9–10, 2011	625	± 4.0%	45%	40%	—	15%
Public Policy Polling	December 17–20, 2010	1,034	± 3.0%	44%	36%	—	20%
Public Policy Polling	October 9–10, 2010	448	± 4.6%	42%	33%	—	25%

  Hypothetical polling

Republican primary

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Adam Hasner	George LeMieux	Connie Mack IV	Mike McCalister	Craig Miller	Other/ Undecided
Public Policy Polling	January 28–30, 2012	1,087	± 3%	3%	8%	39%	4%	3%	42%
Public Policy Polling	January 28–29, 2012	733	± 3.6%	4%	8%	36%	5%	3%	44%
Public Policy Polling	January 28, 2012	387	± 5.0%	4%	6%	36%	5%	3%	46%
Miami Herald/War Room Logistics	January 27, 2012	1,632	± 2.5%	2.7%	6.2%	33.0%	3.2%	2.3%	52.6%
Mason-Dixon	January 24–26, 2012	500	± 4.5%	4%	12%	38%	7%	1%	38%
Dixie Strategies/First Coast News	January 23–25, 2012	2,567	± 1.93%	3.81%	6.91%	28.88%	3.36%	1.78%	55.26%
Public Policy Polling	November 28–30, 2011	470	± 4.5%	3%	12%	40%	4%	3%	38%
Quinnipiac	October 31–November 7, 2011	513	± 4.3%	2%	9%	32%	6%	2%	51%
Public Policy Polling	September 22–25, 2011	472	± 4.5%	9%	13%	—	17%	3%	58%
Quinnipiac	September 14–19, 2011	374	± 5.1%	5%	17%	—	5%	11%	62%
Quinnipiac	July 27–August 2, 2011	510	± 4.3%	6%	12%	—	15%	8%	60%

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Mike Haridopolos	Adam Hasner	George LeMieux	Mike McCalister	Other/ Unde- cided
Quinnipiac	May 17–23, 2011	463	± 4.6%	13%	4%	14%	—	64%
Sunshine State Communications	May 12–13, 2011	458	± 4.58%	11%	0%	9%	4%	64%

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Vern Buchanan	Jennifer Carroll	Mike Haridopolos	Adam Hasner	George LeMieux	Nick Loeb	Will McBride	Mike McCalister	Joe Scarborough	Daniel Webster	Other/ Unde- cided
Suffolk University/7 News	April 10–12, 2011	217	± 4%	5%	3%	2%	1%	4%	1%	3%	0%	6%	7%	67%

General election

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Bill Nelson (D)	Vern Buchanan (R)	Other	Undecided
Mason-Dixon	August 18–22, 2011	625	± 4.0%	45%	35%	—	20%

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Bill Nelson (D)	Jeb Bush (R)	Other	Undecided
Mason-Dixon	February 9–10, 2011	625	± 4.0%	41%	49%	—	10%
Public Policy Polling	December 17–20, 2010	1,034	± 3.0%	44%	49%	—	7%
Public Policy Polling	July 16–18, 2010	900	± 3.26%	46%	44%	—	9%

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Bill Nelson (D)	Mike Haridopolos (R)	Other	Undecided
Public Policy Polling	June 16–19, 2011	848	± 3.4%	47%	35%	—	18%
Quinnipiac	May 17–23, 2011	1,196	± 2.8%	47%	26%	2%	22%
Public Policy Polling	March 24–27, 2011	500	± 4.4%	50%	34%	—	17%
Mason-Dixon	February 9–10, 2011	625	± 4.0%	48%	27%	—	25%
Public Policy Polling	December 17–20, 2010	1,034	± 3.0%	44%	32%	—	24%

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Bill Nelson (D)	Adam Hasner (R)	Other	Undecided
Suffolk University	January 22–24, 2012	600	± 4.4%	47%	23%	2%	28%
Public Policy Polling	November 28–December 1, 2011	700	± 3.7%	48%	33%	—	19%
Rasmussen Reports	November 17, 2011	500	± 4.5%	40%	31%	9%	19%
Public Policy Polling	September 22–25, 2011	476	± 4.5%	49%	35%	—	16%
Mason-Dixon	August 18–22, 2011	625	± 4.0%	45%	34%	—	21%
Public Policy Polling	June 16–19, 2011	848	± 3.4%	47%	35%	—	19%
Quinnipiac	May 17–23, 2011	1,196	± 2.8%	48%	23%	3%	24%
Public Policy Polling	March 24–27, 2011	500	± 4.4%	48%	32%	—	20%
Mason-Dixon	February 9–10, 2011	625	± 4.0%	46%	24%	—	30%
Public Policy Polling	December 17–20, 2010	1,034	± 3.0%	46%	30%	—	25%

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Bill Nelson (D)	George LeMieux (R)	Other	Undecided
Quinnipiac	June 12–18, 2012	1,697	± 2.4%	47%	32%	1%	17%
Public Policy Polling	May 31–June 3, 2012	642	± 3.9%	48%	35%	—	17%
Marist	May 17–20, 2012	1,078	± 3%	46%	42%	—	12%
Rasmussen Reports	April 25, 2012	500	± 4.5%	44%	30%	9%	17%
Public Policy Polling	April 12–15, 2012	700	± 3.7%	48%	34%	—	18%
Rasmussen Reports	March 13, 2012	500	± 4.5%	41%	38%	5%	17%
Rasmussen Reports	February 13, 2012	500	± 4.5%	45%	35%	5%	15%
Mason-Dixon	January 24–26, 2012	800	± 3.5%	48%	33%	—	19%
Suffolk University	January 22–24, 2012	600	± 4.4%	46%	22%	2%	30%
Public Policy Polling	November 28–December 1, 2011	700	± 3.7%	47%	32%	—	20%
Rasmussen Reports	November 17, 2011	500	± 4.5%	39%	33%	10%	18%
Public Policy Polling	September 22–25, 2011	476	± 4.5%	49%	35%	—	15%
Mason-Dixon	August 18–22, 2011	625	± 4.0%	49%	34%	—	17%
Public Policy Polling	June 16–19, 2011	848	± 3.4%	46%	35%	—	19%
Quinnipiac	May 17–23, 2011	1,196	± 2.8%	47%	27%	2%	22%
Public Policy Polling	March 24–27, 2011	500	± 4.4%	48%	33%	—	19%
Mason-Dixon	February 9–10, 2011	625	± 4.0%	49%	35%	—	16%
Public Policy Polling	December 17–20, 2010	1,034	± 3.0%	47%	36%	—	17%
Public Policy Polling	July 16–18, 2010	900	± 3.26%	49%	28%	—	23%

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Bill Nelson (D)	Rush Limbaugh (R)	Other	Undecided
Public Policy Polling	October 9–10, 2010	448	± 4.6%	50%	36%	—	14%

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Bill Nelson (D)	Mike McCalister (R)	Other	Undecided
Public Policy Polling	July 26–29, 2012	871	± 3.3%	45%	40%	—	15%
Quinnipiac	June 12–18, 2012	1,697	± 2.4%	45%	34%	1%	18%
Public Policy Polling	May 31–June 3, 2012	642	± 3.9%	47%	33%	—	20%
Rasmussen Reports	April 25, 2012	500	± 4.5%	48%	29%	7%	15%
Public Policy Polling	April 12–15, 2012	700	± 3.7%	47%	35%	—	19%
Rasmussen Reports	March 13, 2012	500	± 4.5%	42%	38%	4%	15%
Rasmussen Reports	February 13, 2012	500	± 4.5%	43%	37%	5%	15%
Suffolk University	January 22–24, 2012	600	± 4.4%	45%	26%	2%	28%
Public Policy Polling	November 28–December 1, 2011	700	± 3.7%	47%	32%	—	21%
Public Policy Polling	September 22–25, 2011	476	± 4.5%	47%	34%	—	19%

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Bill Nelson (D)	Craig Miller (R)	Other	Undecided
Public Policy Polling	November 28–December 1, 2011	700	± 3.7%	49%	30%	—	21%
Public Policy Polling	September 22–25, 2011	476	± 4.5%	49%	32%	—	19%

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Bill Nelson (D)	Joe Scarborough (R)	Other	Undecided
Public Policy Polling	March 24–27, 2011	500	± 4.4%	45%	32%	—	22%

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Bill Nelson (D)	Jimmy Wales (R)	Other	Undecided
Public Policy Polling	March 24–27, 2011	500	± 4.4%	47%	28%	—	25%

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Bill Nelson (D)	Dave Weldon (R)	Other	Undecided
Public Policy Polling	July 26–29, 2012	871	± 3.3%	46%	39%	—	15%
Quinnipiac	June 12–18, 2012	1,697	± 2.4%	47%	31%	1%	19%
Public Policy Polling	May 31–June 3, 2012	642	± 3.9%	47%	31%	—	22%

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Bill Nelson (D)	Allen West (R)	Other	Undecided
Mason-Dixon	August 18–22, 2011	625	± 4.0%	44%	38%	—	18%

See also

• United States Senate elections, 2012
• United States House of Representatives elections in Florida, 2012

References

1. Dr. Michael McDonald (February 9, 2013). "2012 General Election Turnout Rates". George Mason University. Retrieved April 3, 2013.
2. Siegel, Elyse (November 6, 2012). "Bill Nelson Election Results: Democrat Defeats Connie Mack In Florida Senate Race". Huffingtonpost.com. Retrieved 2012-11-07.
3. "Candidate Tracking system - Florida Division of Elections - Department of State". Election.dos.state.fl.us. Retrieved 2012-11-07.
4. "Rep. Connie Mack IV Announces Run for U.S. Senate". Fox News. November 28, 2011.
5. Connie Mack IV Officially Joins Florida Senate Race : Roll Call Politics
6. Leary, Alex (November 23, 2010). "Sen. Bill Nelson gets his first official Republican challenger for 2012". TampaBay.com. Retrieved November 24, 2010.
7. Powers, Scott (August 18, 2011). "Marielena Stuart joins U.S. Senate race". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved August 20, 2011.
8. Caputo, Marc (May 18, 2012). "It's official: Dave Weldon to run for U.S. Senate in Florida". The Miami Herald. Retrieved May 18, 2012.
9. Alexander George withdraws U.S. Senate Race- Endorses Senator George LeMieux | PRLog
10. Leary, Alex (July 18, 2011). "Haridopolos drops out of U.S. Senate race". Tampabay.com. Retrieved July 18, 2011.
11. Balderas, Hasner file paperwork for Senate bids – David Catanese – POLITICO.com
12. Hasner phoned Mack, not LeMieux – POLITICO.com
13. Florida: Craig Miller Drops Senate Bid, Runs for House | At the Races
14. Conservative Senate Candidate Ron Rushing Takes Aim at Politicians | Sunshine State News
15. "George LeMieux out of Senate race". CFN 13 Orlando. Retrieved 20 June 2012.
16. Smith, Adam C. (April 22, 2012). "CFO Jeff Atwater announces he will not run for U.S. Senate". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved April 21, 2012.
17. Hasner Nabs Former Florida Speaker’s Endorsement : Roll Call Politics
18. Buchanan Closes Door on Senate Run – Hotline On Call
19. March, William (December 3, 2010). "Several Republicans may vie to take on Bill Nelson in 2012". The Tampa Tribune. Retrieved December 5, 2010.
20. Looking beyond Connie Mack and U.S. Senate race – Marc Caputo – MiamiHerald.com
21. Caputo, Marc (November 17, 2011). "Citing ill-health, Sofia Vergara's bf won't run for U.S. Senate.". St. Petersburg Times. Retrieved November 17, 2011.
22. Leary, Alex (April 30, 2012). "Will McBride, a Senate candidate again, but with lower goal". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved May 13, 2012.
23. Wallace, Jeremy (February 11, 2011). "Rooney not ready for U.S. Senate run". Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Retrieved February 11, 2011.
24. Bennett, George (August 7, 2011). "NewsMax's Chris Ruddy rejects suggestion he run for GOP Senate nomination". The Palm Beach Post. Retrieved May 13, 2012.
25. West: I'm Not Running For Senate – Hotline On Call
26. Allen West shuts door on Senate race – David Catanese – POLITICO.com
27. Amanda Carey. "Haley Barbour lends endorsement in Florida Senate primary". The Daily Caller. Retrieved 2012-11-07.
28. LeMieux wins endorsements of three legislators – Central Florida Political Pulse – Orlando Sentinel
29. George LeMieux receives endorsement of three more FL lawmakers, Sen. Garcia & Reps Fred Costello and Charles Van Zant | Saint Petersblog
30. "Romney Endorses Mack For Senate « CBS Miami". Miami.cbslocal.com. 2012-05-16. Retrieved 2012-11-07.
31. "Jeb Bush endorses Mack in Florida US Senate race – WFTX-TV Fort Myers/Naples, FL". Fox4now.com. Associated Press. 2012-06-06. Retrieved 2012-11-07.
32. Sen. Rand Paul endorses Connie Mack in Senate race | Naked Politics
33. Derby, Kevin (2012-06-05). "Tea party favorite Mike Lee endorses Connie Mack in Florida". Sunshine State News. Retrieved 2012-11-07.
34. "Mack is endorsed by Puerto Rico's governor – Central Florida Political Pulse – Orlando Sentinel". Blogs.orlandosentinel.com. 2012-05-22. Retrieved 2012-11-07.
35. Miller, Joshua (December 12, 2011). "Jeff Miller Endorses Connie Mack IV for Senate". Roll Call. Retrieved December 12, 2011.
36. Derby, Kevin (2012-06-11). "Tom Rooney endorses Connie Mack". Sunshine State News. Retrieved 2012-11-07.
37. "Pam Bondi endorses Mack: he will "protect the constitution" – Central Florida Political Pulse – Orlando Sentinel". Blogs.orlandosentinel.com. 2012-06-13. Retrieved 2012-11-07.
38. The Miami Herald (2012-06-13). "Another big endorsement for Connie Mack: FL AG Pam Bondi | Naked Politics". Miamiherald.typepad.com. Retrieved 2012-11-07.
39. In Naples, Sean Hannity throws support behind Connie Mack | Florida politics blog: The Buzz | Tampa Bay Times
40. Endorsement reversal: Haridopolos backs pal Connie Mack in U.S. Senate race | Post on Politics
41. GOProud Announces U.S. House Endorsements
42. Iraq vet Chris Borgia announces US Senate run (Orlando Sentinel)
43. qualifies for U.S. Senate Run
44. Federal Election Commission. "2012 House and Senate Campaign Finance for Florida NELSON, BILL". fec.gov.
45. Federal Election Commission. "2012 House and Senate Campaign Finance for Florida MACK, CONNIE". fec.gov.
46. Federal Election Commission. "2012 House and Senate Campaign Finance for Florida GAYLOR, WILLIAM G". fec.gov.
47. Federal Election Commission. "2012 House and Senate Campaign Finance for Florida BORGIA, CHRIS". fec.gov.
48. Center for Responsive Politics. "Top Contributors 2012 Race: Florida Senate". opensecrets.org.
49. Center for Responsive Politics. "Top Industries 2012 Race: Florida Senate". opensecrets.org.
50. Haberman, Maggie (October 2, 2012). "Crossroads launches $16 million buy in Senate, presidential contests". Politico.com. Retrieved October 2, 2012.

External links

• Florida Secretary of State – Division of Elections
• Campaign contributions at OpenSecrets.org
• Outside spending at Sunlight Foundation
• Candidate issue positions at On the Issues

Official campaign websites

• Chris Borgia for U.S. Senate
• Connie Mack for U.S. Senate
• Mike McCalister for U.S. Senate
• Ron McNeil for U.S. Senate
• Bill Nelson for U.S. Senate
• Marielena Stuart for U.S. Senate
• Dave Weldon for U.S. Senate