Florida’s Haridopolos Expects to Run for Senate

Democratic Florida Sen. Bill Nelson looks very vulnerable to a Republican challenge in 2012, especially after the GOP’s resounding victory in last month’s elections. And Republican state Senate President Mike Haridopolos appears ready to take on Nelson [pictured], Roll Call reports.

“I’d bet that we’d be in the race,” Haridopolos tells The Orlando Sentinel. “We’re talking to folks not just across Florida but across the country about that prospect.”

He came to Washington Monday and Tuesday to boost his profile and perhaps raise some money. On Tuesday, Haridopolos appeared at an event promoting a proposal to amend the Constitution so that states can repeal federal law if two-thirds of their state legislatures agree. The amendment is aimed at Obamacare.

Other possible Republican candidates for Nelson’s seat are Sen. George LeMieux, who’s completing his temporary Senate tenure in January; Republican Reps. Connie Mack IV, Vern Buchanan and Tom Rooney; and state House Majority Leader Adam Hasner.