Bill Nelson Says He Will Run for Third Term in 2012

Three U.S. senators announced in recent days that they planned to retire in 2012 instead of seeking another term. But Florida Democrat U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson shows no signs of joining his three colleagues -- Kent Conrad, D-N.D., Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, and Joe Lieberman, I-Conn. -- on the sidelines.

During an address to reporters and editors at the annual Legislative Planning Session held by the Associated Press in Tallahassee on Wednesday, Nelson was asked if he would seek a third term in 2012.

Yes, Nelson replied.

While conceding that he was a target for Republicans based on the 2010 election results, which left him the only Democrat to hold statewide office in Florida, Nelson said he felt confident about his chances.

I think that attitudes will be changing, he said, pointing to an improving economy and Floridians being familiar with his record.

A large field of potential Republican candidates is considering running against Nelson. Senate President Mike Haridopolos and businessman Mike McCalister, who pulled 10 percent in the 2010 Republican gubernatorial primary, have already announced they are running. Other potential Republican candidates include former U.S. Sen. George LeMieux, U.S. Rep. Connie Mack, U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney, U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan and former House Majority Leader Adam Hasner.