Florida Governor's Race Deadlocked, According To Saint Leo University Polling Institute

SAINT LEO, Fla., June 11, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Governor Rick Scott and former Governor Charlie Crist are locked in a statistical tie, according to a new poll by the Saint Leo Polling Institute. Scott leads Crist, 43-41 percent, among likely voters according to the poll, which is within the poll's margin of error. The remaining 16 percent of voters are undecided. The race should be considered a statistical tie.

Scott's situation has gradually improved over the past six months. A January Saint Leo University poll had Crist ahead, 46-34 percent. In March, Crist's lead was 43-39 percent – a statistical tie.

"For the first time since the poll's inception, Rick Scott has edged out Charlie Crist," said Frank Orlando, instructor of political science at Saint Leo University. "Scott and Crist are locked in a war of attrition; voters aren't in love with either one of them," stated Orlando.

Scott's job approval rating among all voters is split at 46 percent approval, 46 percent disapproval. Scott and Crist have matching favorability ratings. Scott's is 46 percent favorable, 48 percent unfavorable Crist's is 47/47. "Scott has been working hard and spending money on advertising. It's difficult to pinpoint whether his gradual improvement during the last six months (6 percent increase in favorability) is due to his substantial ad campaign, moderating his image, or if the Republican base has finally firmed up behind Scott," continued Orlando.

Scott tops former state Senator Nan Rich, 44-31 percent, should she become the Democratic nominee.  

Florida's two U.S. senators are in solid position with voters, though both have re-elect ratings under 50 percent. Senator Bill Nelson's re-election rating is 43 percent, his approval rating is 48/35 (+13), and his favorability rating is 49/36 (+13). Senator Marco Rubio's re-election rating is 46 percent, his approval rating is 50/39, and his favorability rating is 51/41 (+10).  

About the Saint Leo University Polling Institute/Methodology

This Saint Leo University poll of 500 Florida residents, including 402 likely voters, was conducted between May 28 and June 4, 2014. The margin of error is approximately 5 percent +/- with a 95 percent confidence level.

About Saint Leo University

Saint Leo University is a regionally accredited, liberal-arts-based institution known for an inclusive Catholic heritage, enduring values, and capacity for innovation.

SOURCE Saint Leo University Polling Institute

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