| − | Republican Governor [[Charlie Crist]], who once enjoyed high approval ratings, appointed [[George LeMieux]] upon the resignation of Senator [[Mel Martinez]]. LeMieux is holding the seat temporarily for Governor Crist who will run for the Senate in 2010. He is the front-runner for the Republican nomination, but is being challenged by conservative Florida House Speaker [[Marco Rubio]]. Crist alienated conservatives when he campaigned with President Obama in support for the $787 billion economic stimulus package, which was entirely opposed by the Florida Republican federal delegation. Democrats have recruited lesser known candidates, including 17th district Representative Kendrick Meek and North Miami Mayor Kevin Burns. Public Opinion Shows show both Crist and Rubio would lead their Democrat opponents. <ref>http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections2/election_2010/election_2010_senate_elections/florida/election_2010_florida_senate</ref> | + | Republican Governor [[Charlie Crist]], who once enjoyed high approval ratings, appointed [[George LeMieux]] upon the resignation of Senator [[Mel Martinez]]. LeMieux is holding the seat temporarily for Governor Crist who will run for the Senate in 2010. He is the establishment pick for the Republican nomination, but is being challenged by conservative Florida House Speaker [[Marco Rubio]], who is leading by 32 points according to Public Policy Polling. <ref>[http://www.rollcall.com/news/43979-1.html Poll Shows Rubio Ahead by 32 Points in Florida, RollCall.com, March 9, 2010]</ref> Crist alienated conservatives when he campaigned with President Obama in support for the $787 billion economic stimulus package, which was entirely opposed by the Florida Republican federal delegation. Democrats have recruited lesser known candidates, including 17th district Representative Kendrick Meek and North Miami Mayor Kevin Burns. Public Opinion Shows show both Crist and Rubio would lead their Democrat opponents. <ref>http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections2/election_2010/election_2010_senate_elections/florida/election_2010_florida_senate</ref> |