If Gov. Rick Scott wins a second term on Tuesday, he might have the Libertarian candidate to thank.
In the final hours of the Florida gubernatorial race, two new polls show its neck and neck between Scott and former Gov. Charlie Crist -- and the Libertarian candidate could be holding back the Democratic challenger.
A poll from Public Policy Polling (PPP), a firm with connections to Democrats, released on Sunday, shows Scott and Crist taking 44 percent apiece while Libertarian Adrian Wyllie gets 6 percent and 6 percent are undecided. When Wyllie is taken out of the mix, Crist inches ahead 47 percent to 46 percent.
The poll shows both major-party candidates are upside down. Scott is disapproved by 48 percent of those surveyed while 41 percent approve of his work as governor. Crist is seen as unfavorable by 47 percent while 40 percent see him as favorable.
The PPP poll of 1,198 likely voters was taken Nov. 1-2 and had a margin of error of +/- 2.8 percent.
Quinnipiac University released a poll on Monday morning which shows Scott and Crist running close in Florida with Wyllie supporters and undecideds holding the balance of power.
The poll shows Crist at 42 percent with Scott right on his heels with 41 percent while Wyllie takes 7 percent and 9 percent are undecided. When Wyllie is left out, Crists lead creeps up to 44 percent.
There is a gender gap in Florida, according to the poll, as 50 percent of women go for Crist while only 35 percent back Scott. Among men, Scott takes 47 percent while Crist musters only 34 percent. Wyllie gets 8 percent of men and 6 percent of women. Both candidates have nailed down their bases with 84 percent of Democrats for Crist and 81 percent of Republicans behind Scott. Crist leads among independents with 39 percent while 32 percent prefer Scott and 16 percent back Wyllie.
One big factor could be how Wyllie supporters cast their ballots on Tuesday. Only 78 percent of Wyllie voters are definitely voting for him as opposed to 96 percent of Scott and Crist voters saying they will stick with their candidates.
Both major-party candidates are upside down. Half -- 50 percent -- of those surveyed view Crist as unfavorable while 43 percent see him in a favorable light. Scott gets similar numbers: 49 percent unfavorable, 42 percent favorable. Most voters -- 83 percent -- dont know enough about Wyllie to offer an opinion while 9 percent view him as favorable and 5 percent see him as unfavorable.
"After an incredibly expensive, extremely nasty campaign, the Florida governor's race is too close to call, said Peter Brown, the assistant director of the Quinnipiac Poll. The winner will be the candidate best able to get his voters to the polls. Turnout, turnout, turnout.
The Quinnipiac poll of 817 likely voters was taken from Oct. 28-Nov. 2 and had a margin of error of +/- 3.4 percent.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
