Latest Florida Polls Agree: Mitt Romney Has The Lead

WASHINGTON -- Two new polls released on Friday confirm that Mitt Romney holds a comfortable lead in Florida's Republican primary, erasing the brief bump that Newt Gingrich enjoyed just after his South Carolina victory.

The latest poll from the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute, which interviewed 580 likely Republican primary voters from Tuesday through Thursday, finds Romney opening up a nine-point lead over Gingrich (38 to 29 percent), with Ron Paul (14 percent) and Rick Santorum (12 percent) running far behind.

Interviews from a previous Quinnipiac poll conducted on Sunday and Monday had shown Gingrich surging ahead by six points (40 to 34 percent). Other polls conducted over the weekend, just as Gingrich's big win in the South Carolina primary was dominating the news, found a similar result. But six surveys conducted later in the week show Romney now leading Gingrich by margins ranging from 7 to 9 percentage points.

A second poll released on Friday by the Sunshine State News Service, fielded from Tuesday through Thursday among 865 likely primary voters, also finds Romney leading Gingrich by nine points (40 to 31 percent), followed by Santorum (12 percent) and Paul (9 percent).

The consistency of the results is notable, given that the Quinnipiac and Sunshine State News polls use very different methodologies. The Quinnipiac poll has live interviewers calling voters on both landline and mobile phones, while the Sunshine State News poll uses an automated, recorded-voice methodology that, due to legal restrictions, can contact only landline phones.

The HuffPost Pollster chart, based on all available public polls in Florida, now reflects the Romney rebound in the most recent surveys. It gives Romney a roughly eight-point lead over Gingrich (39.1 to 31.3 percent), trailed by Santorum (12.1 percent) and Paul (8.9 percent).

The chart shows that although Florida voters' support for Gingrich has surged during January, the extra bump around the South Carolina primary has faded. Since Sunday the chart finds Gingrich's support dropping roughly two percentage points and Romney's jumping by nearly four points.

Not surprisingly, given the continuing volatility in voter preferences, the new polls find other evidence that many Floridians remain uncertain about their choices. The Quinnipiac poll reports that one-third of those with a preference (32 percent) say they may still change their minds before Tuesday's GOP primary, while another 6 percent of all Republican voters are completely undecided.

So as always in this tumultuous primary campaign, the current polling snapshot is subject to change, although without a major intervening event over the next four days, Mitt Romney has good reason for optimism on Tuesday.

 

 

Comments

[Marlene Newell]

02:00 AM on 01/29/2012

So funny to see anyone on the left denounce Romney for having a few 'international" investments. And that's the worst you can come up with? hehehehe, can't wait for the landslide come November. But it is truly a sad state of affairs when Republicans bash hard-working Americans that get rich -- or I should say, richer than themselves. Gingrich is by no means a 'common man' - it just gets his goat that Mitt earned, through work and investments, 25 times more millions than Gingrich did. Maybe if he hadn't been paying for so many affairs and divorces and alimony and child support and ethics violations fines, Mitt would have only 20 times more millions than him. But of course we expect the liberal left to try and run Mitt into the ground for being wealth, and they'll probably try to portray Obama's measly 7+M of net worth to be Mitt's fault. Of course, Obama is heavily invested in The Vanguard Group, which like other mutual funds, such as the one Romney's blind trusts invests in, has international investments. Yep, that's right -- The Vanguard Group as international investments. So by buying into that mutual fund, you have international investments. Interesting how that works, isn't it? A global market, mutual funds, mutual funds invest in a global market, wealthy people invest in mutual funds, Obama invests in mutual funds with international investments, Romney invests in mutual funds with international investments. Seems like that just evaporated as a campaign issue!?

[cloudninecapt]

04:53 PM on 01/28/2012

As a US Vet. I am sick thinking of the Romney Chicken Hawk family in the White House.

The White House is the cherry on the cake for Romney's long list of multi million dollar homes.

The Federal Reserve and access to Insider Trade Information is his Key Goal. For him, his friends and his congregation.

Wake up.

[Ray Evans]

07:34 PM on 01/28/2012

Thank you for your service to our country, however, you are insane if you actually believe Romney's presidential aspirations center around gaining access to insider information. Romney is a wealthy man, not because he inherited it, but due to his decision to spend seven years getting the best education he could, then through careful risk evaluation and tons of hard work. Because of his abilities, which you and I and most others lack, he will always have the potential to create more wealth if he chooses to do so.

Romney is a dedicated father and devoted husband. He gives millions to charity and hours of his spare time to church and other volunteer groups. You know NOTHING about Mitt Romney, except that he is a rich Mormon. And there is your problem: You are a bigot.

[giving]

06:36 AM on 01/29/2012

Bigotry is wrong,
but The Rom did
inherit alot of money
that's got to help.

[John Shuck]

02:30 PM on 01/28/2012

Newt can spook a few jumpy Republicans to vote for him in meaningless contests, but he's not going anywhere. He's a failed politician and fully discredited in the political arena. The Republicans that matter all know they will be holding their nose and voting for Romney come fall. As a Democrat, I can only sincerely thank him for exposing Romney as a serial liar and forcing him to put out one of his tax returns far ahead of schedule. How's the Offshore candidate sound?

[Gregory Hinton]

09:27 AM on 01/28/2012

it won't be pretty tuesday night when newt and plastica have to come out and congratulate willard on his victory.

[rchristley]

06:39 PM on 01/27/2012

OMG! Romney's family, both parents are American citizens! Get over it! He is an American citizen.

[Mollyj]

06:16 PM on 01/27/2012

Romney is the !%;

Is there any OWS branch in florida? or are all Floridan RICH? or DUH?

[Bobbito]

06:13 PM on 01/27/2012

Aaaaaaaand the LATEST poll reveals that 100% of voters are right or surprisingly,
Left handed......
A pox on polls done every nano second...enough already

[gurukalehuru]

05:30 PM on 01/27/2012

I'm no fan of blatantly hypocritical marshmallow boy Newt Gingrich, but I do like the idea of a permanent base on the moon. See more at www.gurukalehuru.com

[mcartri]

03:44 PM on 01/27/2012

Romney will win Florida's primary and be the Greed Over People(GOP)'s nominee to be defeated by Obama in the November election. How do I know? I have a keyboard for a computer.

[Huah]

03:40 PM on 01/27/2012

Yes, Romney is ahead of Newt right now, but way behind in losing to Obama in a head-to-head (same for Newt vs Obama). Let's see that poll, please.

[wessibrah]

04:00 PM on 01/27/2012

what poll have you been watching.....I guess you have been day dreaming

[Loyd Hawkins]

05:06 PM on 01/27/2012

There have been several polls published over the past few weeks that shows not one of the GOP nominees beating Obama. Romney comes the closest, but Obama still leads in the polls against this gang of clowns.

[Gregory Hinton]

09:29 AM on 01/28/2012

truth a bitter pill for you?

[Ray Evans]

07:42 PM on 01/28/2012

You've been sipping Liberal Koolaid. The ONLY poll I've seen that has Obama beating Romney head-to-head is a Minnesota poll, naturally. EVERY national poll and all other state polls I've seen shows Romney leading the president by three to ten points. I have not seen an Illinois or DC poll. Just dig a little deeper right here in the Huff Post. It's right there in black and white.

[theborg]

03:30 PM on 01/27/2012

"He turned me into a newt!"

[jpp16]

03:12 PM on 01/27/2012

neither OBAMA nor ROMNEY is qualified to be POTUS.

Their fathers were born outside of US.
Therefore, they are not 'natural born' citizens.
According to the constitution neither can be a legal President.

No wonder the democrats are so anxious to see Romney win over Gingrich.
GINGRICH is the only one of the 3 QUALIFIED.

[Sean Myers]

03:23 PM on 01/27/2012

well, since you brought up the constitution...

1. "natural born" isn't defined in the text.
2. according to the Congressional Research Service, the brunt of scholarly legal and historical opinion indicates that the term "natural born" means one who is entitled under the constitution or laws of the United States to U.S. citizenship "at birth" or "by birth," including any child born "in" the United States (except children born to foreign diplomats), and those born abroad of at least one citizen parent who has met U.S. residency requirements.

For someone who likes to tout the constitution as a reference it might actually pay to read AND comprehend it rather than spurt garbage that makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.

[DOGnIT]

03:45 PM on 01/27/2012

Facts schmacts. I only hope the Republican Party will rise again a saner and more reality based opposition party.

[Marlene Newell]

02:08 AM on 01/29/2012

I agree, Sean. George Romney's U.S. citizenship was vetted when he ran for President in 1968. End of discussion.

[mcartri]

03:50 PM on 01/27/2012

Jpp16, hope you voted third party in 2008, as McCain was born in the Panama Canal Zone to a female American citizen, as was Obama in the country of Hawaii.. Since you simply do not undertand what a natural born citizen is, Romney's father being born in Mexico to natural born American citizens must disqualifly him in your eyes(brain?).

[Huzie]

03:07 PM on 01/27/2012

Romney's problems are just beginning. he has been as they say "fudging facts" about his investments.He's got a lot of expalining to do, and unless he is well rehearsed he doesn't do it well.

[Marlene Newell]

02:14 AM on 01/29/2012

I suggest you look into The Vanguard Group, in which Obama is heavily invested. It is a mutual fund that also has international investments. It's a global economy; there aren't many mutual funds worth their salt that won't have some international investments. Gosh, looks like you are going to have to pick another red herring.

[Huzie]

02:08 PM on 01/29/2012

We all have mutual funds that have a bit of this and that. That was not what I was talking about. He LIED about what he knew and didn't know about his "blind" or not so blind trust. He also has put a lot of his money offshore to avoid paying taxes on it. You know I know a lot of people who invest their 403Bs or 401Ks with Vanguard. This is not exactly the Carlyle Group. The President is investing in the same Mutual Fund as teachers and other professionals. Not exactly a scandal to leak to the papers

[Billy Chrystal]

02:56 PM on 01/27/2012

Romneys religion is now beocming an issue now that the Jewish folks have found out that the Mormons are baptizing their dead.

[tigrmama11]

07:38 PM on 01/28/2012

Romney is just another no-talented air head. We must really get it right this time! Gingrich is the only one qualified on any slate. He's been on the 'inside' for many years and can see ahead. His reasons for wanting the Presidency is for all the right reasons. By the way, are any of you familiar with a man named Bing West? He was a Military Correspondent for many years. Look into this man, his career and his opinions of world events! What a guy!!

[Marlene Newell]

02:16 AM on 01/29/2012

And he knows all about being ousted by his own party . .

[tigrmama11]

05:04 AM on 01/29/2012

TO STEVECELT: No, I'm not a Corporate 'spy' or working for any organization or company. You say you are confused by my comment. Maybe it's because I was talking common sense regarding not-so intelligent reporters who write not-so intelligent B.S. It just seemed to me, Boxer was off base with her story of airlines deliberately trying to 'deceive' customers regarding their rates, taxes, etc. I'm an ordinary 76 year young caucasian great grandmother, retired. Entertainer, keyboard/vocalist, for 37 years. Became ill and could not longer work at my first love. Raising my kids alone I found a new career as a 'freight broker' OTR heavyhaul for over 20 years. I remember when Japan invaded poor China during WW11. My grandchildren all have degrees, 4 have Masters, in which 3 chose the Military. I consider myself to have common sense when reading good material as opposed to junk.

[Ray Evans]

08:03 PM on 01/28/2012

Ridiculous comment. Baptism for the dead is a biblical doctrine. Read Corinthians. Besides, why would a Jewish person, or anyone else who does not subscribe to Mormonism give a rat's rear end what they believe or do?

[Billy Chrystal]

02:55 PM on 01/27/2012

Let them keep on cutting each others throats.....when they settle on one candidate all of this will be fodder for the Presidential election...the editors for President Obama will have a field day!..lol

[Marlene Newell]

05:40 PM on 01/29/2012

Well, since Obama's agenda for hope and change has failed miserably, the only options his editors will have is to find whatever weakness they can in the Republican nominee. The best opponent for him, of course, is Gingrich, as 5th graders could google enough scandal on Gingrich to keep Obama's teleprompter well-fed. However, enough voters may also be sick enough of his style of hope and change that they'd vote for anyone just to get Obama out of there. At least Gingrich is entertaining when he speaks. And doesn't need a teleprompter.