Crist leads Fla. GOP Senate primary with Dem field muddled

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist seems the favorite to be the Republican candidate for Senate next year, while the field for his Democratic opponent is more muddled, according to a new poll released Wednesday.

55 percent of registered Republicans in Florida told a Quinnipiac poll that they would support Crist in the Republican primary for the state’s 2010 Senate race.

By contrast, Former Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio (R), who’s been favored by more conservative activists, won the support of 26 percent, with 18 percent of the state’s Republicans undecided.

Meanwhile, Rep. Kendrick Meek (D-Fla.) maintains an small, early lead in the pack of Democrats looking to take on Crist or Rubio.

18 percent of Florida Democrats back Meek, compared with 12 percent for Rep. Ron Klein (D-Fla.), and nine percent for Rep. Corrine Brown (D-Fla.).

57 percent of Florida Democrats, however, remain undecided.

The candidates are looking to succeed Sen. Mel Martinez (R-Fla.), who is retiring.

The poll, conducted between August 12-17, has a 4.6 percent margin of error for the Republican primary and a 4.7 percent margin of error for the Democratic primary.