New Poll: Sink Leads Scott in FL Governor's Race
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
By: Nicole Creston

August 25 -- A new poll shows the Democratic candidate for Florida's governor, current state Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, has benefited from the bitter GOP gubernatorial primary. The survey shows Sink holding a seven-point lead over her newly elected Republican opponent, Rick Scott.

Today’s numbers from Public Policy Polling have Sink ahead of former healthcare executive Scott, with 41% support to Scott’s 34%. Independent Bud Chiles garners 8%.

According to the poll, Sink enjoys strong approval among Democrats, with 72% of Democrats surveyed supporting her candidacy.

Scott, however, has only 57% support among GOP voters surveyed. Public Policy Polling director Tom Jensen says the contentious primary battle with state Attorney General Bill McCollum cost Scott supporters. Jensen says Scott has a lot of work to do if he wants to win over McCollum’s former backers.

“One big problem for Scott in doing that is that those folks don’t like him,” says Jensen.  “Only 28% of Florida voters have a favorable opinion of Scott and 49% see him unfavorably. So, Sink, somewhat improbably given where she was 6 months ago, starts the general election as the favorite.”    

Another disadvantage for Scott, says Jensen, is that he only has 10 weeks before the General Election to woo voters. However, he adds that Scott’s one advantage is that many voters still have no opinion of Alex Sink. So, with his negatives so high, Scott may have little choice but to spend time, and money, trying to tear down Sink and raise her negative ratings.

Scott already spent $40 million dollars of his own money on the primary campaign.