Nelson and Harris Take Different Approaches in Florida Senate Race

As the Florida Senate election enters its final stretch, Sen. Bill Nelson (D) and Rep. Katherine Harris (R) are employing contrasting strategies to appeal to voters. Nelson, a Democrat, has been touring the state extensively, campaigning in Republican strongholds and addressing a wide range of issues. Harris, on the other hand, has focused on her base in Central Florida, often avoiding questions from the press and maintaining a small entourage.

Key Takeaways:

• In the past four days, Nelson has campaigned in 15 different counties, while Harris has stuck to the I-4 corridor and Polk County, where she grew up.
• Nelson's staff often leaves him untended at campaign events, whereas Harris is constantly surrounded by aides who shield her from reporters.
• Harris has refused to reveal where she attended church services on Sunday, an unusual tactic for a candidate trailing by 20 percentage points in most polls.
• Nelson has campaigned in Madison, Duval, and Manatee counties, where he emphasizes bipartisanship and avoids mentioning Harris.
• Harris has focused on small, conservative crowds where she's a star, delivering speeches and signing copies of her book about the 2000 presidential recount.
• Meanwhile, Nelson has conducted Q&A sessions with voters and appeared with fellow Democrats, including gubernatorial candidate Jim Davis.

Statistics:

• Nelson's campaign schedule is updated frequently to maximize media coverage, while Harris' schedule is largely kept private.
• Harris has refused to campaign for U.S. House candidates in tough races, including her own Sarasota-area district, where the seat is a toss-up.
• Nelson has maintained a 20-point lead in most polls, according to the latest data.

Sources:

• Associated Press
• Voters Coalition of Palm Beach County
• Federated Republican Women of Osceola
• University of Central Florida homecoming parade
• Fat Boys' Bar-B-Q
• St. Cloud
• Orlando
• U.S. Senate election data
• Polls and surveys