FL: Castor, Harris Lead U.S. Senate Races in New Poll

[goobergunch]

The Associated Press
Published: Dec 6, 2003

<snip>

The poll was conducted Dec. 1-3 by the Washington polling firms Schroth & Associates and The Polling Company. The statewide telephone survey of 800 registered voters has a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 5.3 percentage points.

Castor's first-place showing is consistent with previous polls in the race. In the latest survey, she received 28 percent, ahead of U.S. Rep. Peter Deutsch of Pembroke Pines with 17 percent and Miami-Dade County Mayor Alex Penelas with 15 percent.

<snip>

Harris was the choice of 29 percent of Republican voters in the poll. Former U.S. Rep. Bill McCollum of Altamonte Springs, who lost to Sen. Bill Nelson in 2000, was second at 15 percent. U.S. Housing Secretary Mel Martinez, expected to enter the race as soon as next week, scored third at 11 percent.

<snip>

State House Speaker Johnnie Byrd, R-Plant City, was the choice of just 3 percent of Republicans surveyed. State Sen. Dan Webster, conservative lawyer Larry Klayman and Pinellas Commissioner Barbara Sheen Todd barely register with the public. Each got 1 percent.

more...http://ap.tbo.com/ap/florida/MGAAS73YVND.html

[Racenut20]

1. However:

Educator/Congresswoman lost to "one of the gang" in Pasco County District in 02.
She had Chaney there raising money, and her husband was arrested (temporarily of course) for going around at night in his pickup truck tearing down opposition signs.

Florida Educators need some positive press after the scandal in Miami, and the ill fated McBride campaign. Perhaps Betty Castor can provide that.

[mndemocrat_29]

2. Harris v. Castor will cause huge press coverage

And will turn out the vote in Florida. Moderates and Independents still mad about 2000 will come out in spades to vote for Castor, and in turn the Democratic nominee. Any close House races that could turn because of this?