sidebar positioning issues

I can’t seem to figure out why my sidebar isn’t floating beside the content section. I have tried everything I can think of and have ruled out margins, width, and clear beign the issue. It will not go to the correct spot unless I use absolute values which defeats the purpose of my site.

ignore the purple I was using it for margin and width verification.

[Code & CSS moderated as per the Forum Rules. Please use the pastebin]

Here is the site for those interested (this is a test of a site I already have working.)

Thanks for any help – I just can’t seem to figure it out, and I hae been at it for a few hours.

Duncan