Polls Find Rubio In Nearly Insurmountable Lead For Senate

Tallahassee, FL, United States (AHN) – Former Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio has pulled ahead of Gov. Charlie Crist to take his first commanding lead in the race for the Senate, according to a new poll. The battle for conservative voters continues, but the race took a slightly humorous turn this week after Crist blasted his rival’s fiscal record by suggesting that Rubio waxes his back.

According to Public Policy Polling, Rubio has 60 percent overall support while the governor trails with 28 percent.

Crist leads 49 percent to 36 percent among moderates. He only has 17 percent support among conservatives, while Rubio has 71 percent. Among liberals, Rubio has 57 percent and Crist 43 percent.

The governor’s approval rating has plummeted. From more than 70 percent a year ago, he now only has the approval of 29 percent of voters. Fifty-six percent disapprove of his job performance.

Rubio, meanwhile, is viewed favorably by 49 percent and negatively by 23 percent.

A survey by GOP pollster Fabrizio McLaughlin & Associates in January had Rubio leading by 14 points. The same month, Quinnipiac University had the two neck-and-neck, with Rubio ahead by a statistically insignificant three points. But the new year, and the two polls, had the once relatively unknown candidate in first place for the first time against a governor who until then enjoyed immense popularity nationwide.

Crist was immediately endorsed by party leaders when he launched his campaign last year. But Rubio, 38, later received endorsements from Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC), the Family Research Council and the Club for Growth.

The popularity of Rubio among conservatives stems in part from the governor’s support for the $787 billion economic stimulus. Crist last year joined President Barack Obama in a town hall meeting, calling for bipartisan support for a stimulus and embracing the newly-inaugurated president, a gesture that ignited Republican ire.

Crist has been warning voters that his rival’s conservative record is merely “rhetoric.” His website features a document, complete with footnotes, comparing Rubio’s record with his “promises” on issues such as cutting spending and protecting the 2nd Amendment.

“Marco Rubio says he never voted for a tax increase… but the record shows he voted for the largest tax increase in Florida history…for a 41 percent state sales tax increase,” says the campaign document.

Crist previously launched a web video accusing his rival of changing his stance on the stimulus, amnesty for illegal immigrants and cap and trade. This past week, he gave a series of interviews and focused his attacks on Rubio’s use of a Republican Party of Florida credit card for personal expenses.

It was the governor’s speculation, however, on $130 Rubio spent in a high-end barbershop that stirred controversy.

“He’s trying to pawn himself off as a fiscal conservative,” Crist said of Rubio on FOX. “And yet just in recent weeks, two weeks ago it has come out in news accounts he had a Republican Party of Florida credit card that he charged $130 haircut, or maybe it was a back wax – we are not sure what all he got at that place.”

The expenses were first revealed in a newspaper report last month. Rubio has admitted to spending more than $100,000 with the credit card, but has said most of the expenses were made during his official duties for the GOP.

He also blames former state party leaders for the report. Former Florida GOP chairman Jim Greer was ousted early this year allegedly for his support for Crist’s centrist agenda.

Rubio and Crist are seeking the seat of former Sen. Mel Martinez, a Republican who chose not to complete his term. Four Democrats, including U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek and former Miami Mayor Maurice Ferre, are in the race.

The primaries will be held on Aug. 24. The special election coincides with the mid-terms in November.

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