George LeMieux Climbs in Senate Poll; 58 Percent of GOP Still Undecided

Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson continues to lead all Republican challengers. But amid a high level of undecided voters, the GOP has cause for hope.

A Quinnipiac poll released Thursday reported that 44 percent of Floridians surveyed think Nelson deserves a second term, versus 34 percent who say he doesn't.

Among Republicans, 58 percent said they are undecided, with former Sen. George LeMieux at 17 percent, followed by businessman Mike McCalister with 11 percent.

Despite raking in several endorsements from party leaders during the past month, Adam Hasner polled a distant third at 5 percent -- a percentage point less than he garnered in Quinnipiac's Aug. 4 survey.

Meantime, LeMieux gained 5 points from the previous poll.

The Republican National Senatorial Committee says Nelson's prospects are weighed down by a sinking Barack Obama.

Given that both President Obama and Senator Nelson are underwater in the Sunshine State, its clear why Floridas senior senator has stayed silent on the presidents latest stimulus plan," NRSC spokesman Jahan Wilcox said in a statement.

"But no amount of election-cycle posturing will distract voters next year from Bill Nelsons 21-year record in Washington of cutting Medicare, raising taxes and driving our government debt to record levels, while failing to address the jobs crisis in Florida and around the country."