Charlie Crist Leads Rick Scott by 7 Percent in UF Poll

The University of Florida released a poll of registered voters on Wednesday which shows former Gov. Charlie Crist, the favorite for the Democratic nomination despite spending most of his career as a Republican, leading Gov. Rick Scott 47 percent to 40 percent.

The poll finds Scott doing better against other Democratic candidates. U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., leads Scott 46 percent to 42 percent. Scott has the edge over former state Senate Democratic Leader Nan Rich, beating her 41 percent to 36 percent. Rich has been in the race since April 2012 while Nelson has left the door open to running but has downplayed speculation that he will challenge Scott.

The poll shows Florida voters look back fondly at Crists term in office with 63 percent approving it while 27 percent disapproved of his tenure. Voters are divided on Scotts time in office with 46 percent disapproving of it and 45 percent approving of it.

The poll of 1,006 registered voters was taken from Jan. 27-Feb. 1 and had a margin of error of +/- 3 percent.