Rick Scott Ahead of Charlie Crist in Florida Chamber Poll

A new poll from the Florida Chamber of Commerces Political Institute finds Gov. Rick Scott, R-Fla., ahead of former Gov. Charlie Crist, his leading Democratic opponent.

The poll shows Scott ahead with 41 percent, Crist right behind him with 38 percent and Libertarian Adrian Wyllie taking 4 percent.

The poll finds 43 percent of those surveyed think Florida is heading in the right direction and 41 percent think the Sunshine State is going the wrong way and thats helping Scott. A majority -- 52 percent -- of those surveyed approve of Scott while 42 percent disapprove of him. While 43 percent see Scott as unfavorable, 45 percent see him as favorable.

Crist is upside down in the poll with 45 percent seeing him as unfavorable and 41 percent viewing him in a favorable light.

Ive been saying for a long time the voters of Florida appreciate leadership and the Florida Chambers poll is an indicator voters believe our state is headed in the right direction again, said Mark Wilson, the president and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, on Monday. Gov. Rick Scotts favorability numbers are increasing, voters recognize more jobs and opportunities are being created for Floridians and they are feeling more confident.

The poll of 806 likely voters was taken by Cherry Communications for the Florida Chamber on June 11 and had a margin of error of +/- 3.5 percent.