Rick Scott Continues To Lag Behind Challenger In Florida Governor's Race

Former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist (D) leads Gov. Rick Scott (R) 48 percent to 38 percent in this year's gubernatorial race, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released Wednesday.

That 10-point difference, Crist's largest margin against Scott in polling this year, is similar to the 8-point lead Crist held in a January Quinnipiac poll. Although most non-partisan surveys find him leading, many show a somewhat narrower race. HuffPost Pollster's average, which includes all publicly available polling, gives Crist a lead of about 5 points.

Scott has spent more than $4 million on television advertising, largely attacking Crist over his continuing support for the Affordable Care Act, while Crist has called Scott ethically suspect and out of touch with Floridians. Crist has also targeted Scott for failing to expand Medicaid in the state.

The Quinnipiac poll finds little recent change in views of either candidate, with Crist's favorability rating holding steady at a net +7, and Scott's at a net -7. The majority of voters said they aren't bothered by the fact that Crist, a former Republican, changed his party affiliation. They said the shift shows Crist is pragmatic, rather than opportunistic.

The poll surveyed 1,413 registered voters by phone between April 23 and April 28.