Florida poll results surprise (Reno 35%, McBride 31%; and Jeb Bush 46%, McBride 33%)

Florida Times-Union ^ | 8/28/02 | Matt Towery

[Ed_in_LA]

The most recent independent poll in the Florida governor's race, released exclusively to this column, reveals the surprising news that Gov. Jeb Bush has less than 50 percent of the vote against a political newcomer.

Now the question is whether this newcomer will get the chance to take on Bush.

[jwalsh07]

The media is pu;;ing for McBride. Go Janet!

[conservatism_IS_compassion]

Jeb Bush has less than 50 percent of the vote

What's up with THAT?

[KellyAdmirer]

Democrats pushing the sick old lady off the political cliff for transient and uncertain gain. Not very classy, totally in character. Why Clinton is orchestrating a campaign against her is a mystery, she carried his water big time, but then, that's totally in character for him, too.

[Cyber Liberty]

Absolute Bravo Sierra.

Who the heck knows, besides broken-glass Republicans, who Bush is up against? Poll numbers for the general election are beyond meaningless before the primaries.

[d14truth]

"What's UP with that?"

Look at the Davis, Riordan, Simon numbers in California before the primary to understand the machinations. Boost who you think is the 'weaker opponent' to drain the resources of the one you fear the most. --- Backfire possible.

[fuzzthatwuz]

A poll yesterday revealed that J. Bush had 65%. Looks like the media is starting to churn!

[Coop]

A poll yesterday revealed that J. Bush had 65%.

Please provide some details or a link. Thanks

[Rescue1]

Republican voters in democrat areas of the state need to cross over and vote for RENO in the primary.

[jmaroneps37]

I like the part about the polling firm being the same one that picked Barr and mc pigtails to lose. Ray Charles could have seen those results. There is no cross over in Fla primaries ;but there is no run off either. If Jack boot janet wins by one vote she's in. She will win because those old rat robots will flock to the polls for her.

[caltrop]

JEB's a whole lot less popular than his boosters like to admit. His victory in 1998 was more the failure of the Democratic candidate than enthusiasm for Bush.

Plenty of Florida Democrats recognize that Reno is unelectable. Today I spoke to a Democrat who's running for office and ringing doorbells all over his district. He expects a McBride upset.

If McBride does win the primary, Bush will be in for a tough race.

[summer]

JEB's a whole lot less popular than his boosters like to admit.

Translation of above comment:

Jeb's a whole lot more popular than his critics like to admit. :)

[caltrop]

JEB's been the Governor for almost four years and still can't top 50%. That, in case you were wondering, isn't the norm for wildly popular incumbents.

Assuming McBride is the nominee, we'll have a pretty good idea of how popular JEB is in November. If Reno's the nominee then, since JEB, you or I could beat her, we'll have to continue to disagree.

[Nuke'm Glowing]

It's known as taking your poll in Palm Beach County. I dismiss 99% of the results in Florida polls as they have yet to ever get any of them close to correct. Don't worry. Outside of Palm Beach County, Orlando, and that weird area of Tampa-St. Pete where the liberal blacks and homos hang out, it's running about 80-20 against the dems.

[summer]

JEB's been the Governor for almost four years and still can't top 50%. That, in case you were wondering, isn't the norm for wildly popular incumbents.

Assuming McBride is the nominee, we'll have a pretty good idea of how popular JEB is in November.

caltrop, you know I like you, and I am saying this honestly to you: I have never ever seen a job approval rating poll for Gov Bush showing him below 60%. Maybe there is such a poll, but his approval ratings have been high, even in tumultuous times in FL. But, because I know you are honest too, I will give you the benefit of the doubt.

Having said that, I think it is still remarkable he polls as high as he does, considering this is a state with more registered Dems than GOP voters. It's really the swing state capital of the county, since independents and non-loyal party voters will decide every election.

As for McLawyer - I don't think he can pull it off. He was very lackluster lask night in the debate as well. If a miracle happens and he does win the primary, I have no doubt: Gov Bush will still win, and, by a large margin.

After that win by Gov. Bush, I will tell how McLawyer could have won it, as I promised you earlier. Thanks for your post. Always nice to hear from you. :)

[summer]

lask night = last night

[ItisaReligionofPeace]

Your democrat friend who is ringing bells all over his district expects a McBride upset?

Wow, that and $1.50 will get you a cup of coffee. I can't even believe you posted this nonsense.

[caltrop]

Yes, he's got his ear to the ground and he thinks McBride will defeat Reno in the Democratic primary. You may think it's nonsense but I'm inclined to think it's a real possibility. I also believe that, if McBride is the Democrat's nominee, Bush will be looking at a close race.

[caltrop]

I agree that McBride was pretty dull in the debate last night. That's a description that fits JEB as well, however. McBride is electable and plenty of Democrats know it - along with plenty of Republicans who are praying Reno's the nominee.

[ItisaReligionofPeace]

Well you know what they say about opinions...:) We shall find out soon enough.