Despite being the chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), the new poll shows U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., in poor shape if she runs for the Senate in 2016, either against the current incumbent or against a former congressman affiliated with the tea party movement.
A poll from Dem-affiliated Public Policy Polling (PPP) shows U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., beating Wasserman Schultz 48 percent to 40 percent in a possible 2016 matchup. If Rubio opts not to run for a second term, Wasserman Schultz still trails another Republican -- former U.S. Rep. Allen West, R-Fla., who edges her 41 percent to 40 percent.
Rubio has said he is open to running for a second term but has also said he will not look to stay in the Senate if he runs for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016. The poll finds Rubios performance in the Senate has won the approval of 45 percent of Florida voters while 40 percent disapprove of it.
Despite her national profile, Wasserman Schultz is upside down in the poll with only 27 percent seeing her in a favorable light while 32 percent view her as unfavorable. West, who served one term in Congress before losing to U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy, D-Fla., is seen as favorable by 31 percent and unfavorable by 25 percent. West has expressed interest in running for the Senate in 2016 if Rubio doesnt.
The poll shows President Barack Obama is under water in Florida despite carrying the state twice. The poll finds a majority of those surveyed -- 53 percent -- disapprove of Obama. Only 41 percent approve of Obama.
The poll finds U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., currently serving in his third term, in much better shape than fellow Democrats Obama and Wasserman Schultz. While 39 percent approve of his job, 32 percent disapprove of Nelson.
The poll of 672 Florida voters was taken from June 6-9 and had a margin of error of +/- 3.8 percent.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com.
