The latest Rasmussen poll of Florida shows Mitt Romney jumping slightly ahead of the pack in what is quickly turning into a three-man race:
The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey finds Mitt Romney with a slight lead in Florida’s Republican Presidential Primary. John McCain and Rudy Giuliani are close behind in what may develop into a three-man race. It’s Romney at 25%, McCain at 20%, and Giuliani at 19%. Romney has picked up seven points over the past week while McCain and Giuliani each inched up a point.
Last week, before the Michigan and South Carolina Primaries, Rasmussen Reports polling found essentially a four-way tie for the lead in Florida. However, Mike Huckabee has slipped to 13% in the current poll. A week ago, he was the top choice for 17%.
One major wild card in the race may be Fred Thompson. The former Senator from Tennessee is considering dropping out of the race after a disappointing showing in South Carolina last Saturday. Twelve percent (12%) of Florida’s Likely Republican Primary Voters still support the actor turned politician.
While it’s Huckabee who is slipping in the most recent poll, the real loser in Florida could turn out to be John McCain. Unlike the primaries that have preceded it, Florida’s Republican Primary is open only to registered party members. In both of his victories, McCain has relied heavily upon moderates and independents to put him over the top. Without that advantage, he may not do so well in the Sunshine State.
