Poll: Sen. Bill Nelson leads potential opponents by double digits

Sen. Bill Nelson's (D-Fla.) approval numbers remain in the danger zone for an incumbent headed into a reelection year, but he still holds solid early leads over his potential Republican challengers.

Nelson's approval stands at just 38 percent, but he leads each of six potential opponents by at least 13 percentage points, according to new numbers from Democratic-leaning Public Policy Polling.

Nelson leads state Senate President Mike Haridopolos, who has already signaled his intention to run, 50 percent to 34 percent. The incumbent leads former Sen. George LeMieux 48 percent to 33 percent and former state House Majority Leader Adam Hasner 48 percent to 32 percent.

The two Republicans who fared the best against Nelson in the poll are two who have already said they won't run for the seat. Rep. Connie Mack (R-Fla.) decided against jumping into the race last week, but he trailed Nelson by just 13 points — 47 percent to 34 percent.

Former congressman and talk-show host Joe Scarborough also comes within 13 points of Nelson — trailing 45 percent to 32 percent. National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman John Cornyn (Texas) urged Scarborough to consider a Nelson challenge. It's something the NRSC has disputed, claiming Cornyn and Scarborough never spoke about a potential Senate run in Florida.

Scarborough has said he won't be a Senate candidate next year.

The survey polled 500 Florida voters and has a margin of error of 4.4 percentage points.

-Updated at 5:48 p.m.