Florida Senate Race Critical to Determining Party Control

Nelson, Mack will be battling as GOP tries to take control of Senate.

The contest between Democratic Senator Bill Nelson and Republican Rep. Connie Mack IV will be a critical race as Republicans try to regain control of the Senate, a battle that pits the son of a former senator against the man who took his seat.

Nelson is seeking his third term at a time when Florida is the largest tossup state in a tight contest for the White House. The money, time and resources being pumped into Florida by President Barack Obama and Republican Mitt Romney will have an influence on whether Nelson will be able to keep the seat he won in 2000 after Connie Mack III retired.