Maybe this governor's race isn't totally over before it even began. Back in August, when Public Policy Polling asked Floridians whether they plan to vote for Charlie Crist or Rick Scott, Crist had a 12-point lead. Now, for its first poll in the new year, PPP has found Crist's lead has shrunk to just two points. That's within the margin of error and is a statistical tie.
Crist's lead is now 43-41. That's thanks in part to the fact that Republicans who had seemed wary about Scott back in August are now coming back into his base of support. This is Florida though. We're no stranger to close elections. Crist's mega-lead was never going to hold.
Meanwhile, the poll also found that Attorney General Pam Bondi holds only a narrow lead over little-known Democratic challengers. She's up two points against Perry Thurston, and three points over George Sheldon. Those two will face off in the Democratic primary.
The poll also questioned voters on a number of issues:
- 65 percent said the Obamacare rollout was unsuccessful, compared to 35 percent who found it successful.
- 73 percent said guns shouldn't be allowed in movie theaters, compared to 27 percent who approved.
- 67 percent were against Congress cutting longterm unemployment benefits.
- Gay marriage is supported by a plurality of Floridians, 47-44.
- Medical marijuana is extremely popular, with a 65-23 split.
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