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Poll Shows Gov. Scott Numbers Improving, Also Starting To Close Gap in Crist Matchup

Governor Rick Scott’s approval rating may not be the best among Florida voters.  But, a new Quinnipiac poll shows the Republican Governor with the highest approval rating since he’s been elected. Scott’s latest approval rating is 43-percent, up from March’s 36-percent. The Quinnipiac University Polling institute’s Assistant Director Peter Brown says Scott may be benefiting from a better national economy.

“Voters think the economy is getting better here, and as the data indicated, they think it’s getting better than it’s getting worse. And, history is not replete with examples of Governors with improving economies that suffer from that. It’s generally a good thing," said Brown.

The poll also shows Governor Scott trailing behind Charlie Crist, the Republican turned Democrat, 47 to 37 percent. And Brown says that’s good news and bad news for both Scott and Crist.

“Good news for Crist is he’s ahead 10 points, and voters say the incumbent doesn’t deserve a second term. That’s good news. For Scott, 16 points is down to 10, and that he’s at his highest level of favorability in job approval. Now, they’re not great numbers. But, they’re better than what they have been," Brown added.

But, Brown says the bad news for Scott is the majority of voters say he doesn’t deserve a second term. He adds the bad news for Crist is the 16-point lead he had in a poll done a few months ago has shrunk by a third.

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on twitter @SaschaCordner.

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.