Sen. Thad Altman, R-Viera, jumped from the House to the Senate in 2008 and represents parts of Brevard, Orange and Seminole counties.
Conservatives have not forgotten that Altman continues to back independent Gov. Charlie Crist in the U.S. Senate race instead of Republican Marco Rubio. But Altman looks poised to survive a challenge from the right in the Republican primary.
Altman has brought in more than $288,000 and spent more than $168,000. That should help him fend off a primary challenge from conservative businessman Bart Carmichael. Carmichael has raised only a little more than $6,000 so far and spent more than $5,000.
With no Democrat in the race, the winner of the Republican primary will take on independent candidate Steve Edmonds in November. Edmonds has raised almost $4,000 and has spent more than $3,500.
