Florida Governor Race 2014 Debate: Charlie Crist, Rick Scott Tied in New Poll Regardless of Third-Party Candidate Option
Republican Florida Gov. Rick Scott and former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist had their final gubernatorial debate on Tuesday as polls showed the candidates are tied ahead of Election Day.
Quinnipiac University released its latest polling data for Florida's gubernatorial race, and the candidates are tied at 42 percent. Crist, the Democratic gubernatorial candidate, did not see a percentage change in the latest poll, but Scott saw a 2 percent loss from data recorded in September.
The 42-percent tie between Crist and Scott includes the option of Libertarian candidate Adrian Wyllie, who received 7 percent. With Wyllie excluded, Crist and Scott are still tied but at 44 percent.
"When the campaign began, everyone talked about how unusual the Florida governor's race would be because two governors, incumbent Gov. Rick Scott and former Gov. Charlie Crist, were facing off. But, as it enters the home stretch, it's just like many other races across the country: There is a sizable gender gap; tens of millions are being spent on negative TV ads and there is a dead heat in which neither candidate has an edge," said Quinnipiac University Poll Assistant Director Peter A. Brown.
According to the Quinnipiac University poll, Crist and Scott split the male and female vote. Men showed more support for the incumbent Scott than challenger Crist with 46 percent to 38 percent, respectively. Among the male voters, 10 percent of men also supported Wyllie.
The percentage spread between Crist and Scott among female voters was narrower than males. Women voters supported Crist with 45 percent while 39 percent favored Scott. Wyllie's support from women fell to single digits to 6 percent.
Brown added, "For all the money spent on this race, it now appears the winner will be the one whose organization excels at the blocking and tackling of politics -- getting their voters to the polls."
According to Brown, Crist and Scott are not viewed favorably among overall Floridians. Both candidates received a higher unfavorable rating with 48 percent for Scott and 42 percent for Crist. Scott received a favorable rating of 40 percent while Crist performed slightly better to 42 percent.
"Will nice guys finish last in the Florida governor's race? According to voters, there are no nice guys in this race, since neither Scott nor Crist are viewed favorably," said Brown. "The Florida governor's race challenges the idea that voters won't vote for a candidate they don't like. In the Sunshine State this year, voters definitely are voting for the lesser of two evils."
For Wyllie, the Libertarian candidate received a higher favorable rating with 8 percent while 6 percent were unfavorable. The majority of Wyllie's favorable rate fell onto the "haven't heard enough" option with 83 percent.
The survey was released as the final debate was held on Tuesday night in Jacksonville, Florida. While the debate started on time, unlike the second debate when the candidates had a misunderstanding on allowing electronic equipment on stage, Crist and Scott still had heated moments.
Crist pressed on Scott regarding the delayed execution of convicted rapist and murderer Marshall Lee Gore. The delay occurred when the state's attorney general Pam Bondi went to attend a fundraiser.
"She asked me to delay it because it didn't work on the dates that she thought it was going to be on," said Scott said in response to Crist. "She apologized."
The debate also saw the candidates dispute personal financial incomes as Scott claimed Crist a better life due to his family's wealth.
"I grew up with families that struggled. I don't know my natural father. I lived in public housing. I have an adopted dad. I didn't grow up with money. You did," Scott said to Crist. "You grew up with plenty of money. Charlie, you lost more jobs than any state but one."
"You don't know me and you can't tell my story," Crist responded. "But I know you are worth about $100 million or $200 million today and God bless you for that wealth, but the way you got it was pretty unsavory."
The Quinnipiac University poll included 984 likely voters between Oct. 14 and Oct. 20.
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