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In 2000, Nelson won the election for U.S. Senator from Florida, defeating then-Representative Bill McCollum, the Republican candidate. The election was to replace retiring Republican Senator Connie Mack. In 2006 he was reelected to the Senate with 60% of the vote.

In 2000, Nelson won the election for U.S. Senator from Florida, defeating then-Representative Bill McCollum, the Republican candidate. The election was to replace retiring Republican Senator Connie Mack. In 2006 he was reelected to the Senate with 60% of the vote.

==Political views==  

==Political views==

Bill Nelson is generally regarded as a moderate, and was among the few Democrats to vote in favor of CAFTA. He has also voted in favor of tighter bankruptcy restrictions and abolishing the estate tax. He also voted for the 2006 Military Commissions Act. However, he has voted against the [[Partial-birth abortion]] Ban Act and voted against a bill providing for criminal penalties for anyone harming an unborn child during the commission of a crime.  

Bill Nelson is generally regarded as a moderate, and was among the few Democrats to vote in favor of CAFTA. He has also voted in favor of tighter bankruptcy restrictions and abolishing the estate tax. He also voted for the 2006 Military Commissions Act. However, he has voted against the [[Partial-birth abortion]] Ban Act and voted against a bill providing for criminal penalties for anyone harming an unborn child during the commission of a crime.  

Nelson married Grace Cavert in 1972. The couple has two grown children, Nan Ellen and Bill, Jr.<ref>[http://billnelson.senate.gov/about/biography.cfm Bill Nelson biography]</ref>

Nelson married Grace Cavert in 1972. The couple has two grown children, Nan Ellen and Bill, Jr.<ref>[http://billnelson.senate.gov/about/biography.cfm Bill Nelson biography]</ref>

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