Gov. Scott Catches Crist, Race Statistically Tied at 43-41 Percent
Florida Governor’s Race Deadlocked
Gov. Scott Catches Crist, Race Statistically Tied at 43-41 Percent
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).
To view poll results click here.
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. The Saint Leo University Polling Institute conducts its surveys using cutting-edge online methodology, which is rapidly transforming the field of survey research. Sample is drawn from large online panels, which allow for random selections that reflect accurate cross sections of all demographic groups. Online methodology has the additional advantages of allowing participants to respond to the survey at a time, place, and speed that are convenient to them, which may result in more thoughtful answers. The Saint Leo University Polling Institute develops the questionnaires, administers the surveys, and conducts analysis of the results. Panel participants typically receive a token incentive – usually 50 cents deposited into an iTunes or Amazon account – for their participation.
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. The school was chartered in 1889 by Catholic Benedictine monks in rural Pasco County, FL, making Saint Leo the first Catholic college in the state. Over its 125-year history, Saint Leo has provided access to education to people of all faiths, emphasizing the Benedictine philosophy of balanced growth of mind, body, and spirit.
Today the university welcomes learners from all generations and backgrounds, from civilian occupations and the armed forces, and from all 50 states and more than 60 nations. Saint Leo’s 16,000 undergraduate and graduate students may elect to study at the beautiful University Campus in Florida, at more than 40 teaching locations in seven states, or online from other locations. The university’s degree programs range from the associate to the doctorate. Throughout these rich offerings, Saint Leo develops principled leaders for a challenging world.
Media Contacts: Kim Payne, staff writer and media coordinator, at kim.payne@saintleo.edu or (352) 588-7233/(717) 798-1508 or Jo-Ann Johnston, academic communications manager, at jo-ann.johnston@saintleo.edu or (352) 588-8237/(352) 467-0843.