Rubio Tops Crist by 18 Points in Latest Poll on Florida Senate Race

Former State House Speaker Marco Rubio, who has been embraced by conservative activists and the Tea Party movement, has widened his lead over Gov. Charlie Crist in the race for Florida's Republican Senate nomination, according to a Rasmussen Reports poll conducted Feb. 18. Rubio now leads Crist by 54 percent to 36 percent with 4 percent preferring another choice and 7 percent undecided.

Rasmussen's previous poll, conducted Jan. 27, had Rubio ahead 49 percent to 37 percent among likely primary voters with 3 percent preferring someone else and 11 percent undecided.

Rubio is seen favorably by 67 percent of Republicans and unfavorably by 15 percent, with 18 percent undecided. Crist is seen favorably by 54 percent and unfavorably by 44 percent, with 2 percent undecided. Notable in these figures is that 34 percent see Rubio "very" favorably, compared with 16 percent for Crist.Self-described conservatives favor Rubio by 67 percent to 24 percent, and the two men have an almost even split among those who consider themselves moderate. Rubio has a big advantage among men, leading Crist by 63 percent to 31 percent while the two split women's votes. Rubio leads in all age groups except 19-to-29-year-olds, who heavily favor Crist.

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