Sen. Bill Nelson wins 3rd term in Florida, AP, NBC project

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson says he will work with Republicans in Congress to reach consensus on issues including looming federal budget cuts that could hurt Florida's defense industry.

   Nelson defeated Republican Connie Mack on Tuesday to win a third term and help Democrats try to hang on to control of the U.S. Senate.

   Nelson won even though he was up against a sitting congressman whose father once held the Senate seat. Mack's great-grandfather was also a baseball Hall of Famer.

   With more than 6.9 million votes counted, Nelson had 55 percent of the vote compared with Mack's 42 percent.

   Mack says he called Nelson and congratulated him on winning the race. He says he is proud of the campaign he ran.