A new poll by Winter Springs based polling outfit Gravis Marketing shows that medical marijuana is in the mid 50’s, nearly 15% of Florida voters are undecided on Governor’s race, and most prefer Jeb Bush over Marco Rubio in a head to head match-up with Hillary Clinton in 2016.
By Jacob Engels
It looks like John Morgan’s campaign for medical marijuana is close to having the support of 60% of Florida voters – according to a poll of 1,023 registered voters in the state of Florida. 37% of respondents were Democrat, 36% Republican, and 27% Independents – with a margin of error of ± 3%.
When asked about where they stand on Amendment 2, which would legalize medical marijuana, respondents didn’t close the door on legalizing reefer for medicinal purposes, but they did not give it the numbers needed to pass either. Only 55% of respondents said they were supporting the amendment, with 39% voting against it and 7% being unsure. The measure needs 60+% to pass.
“During this time of the year, polls are coming out fast & furious. We’ve seen some that have us in the high 60’s and even one where we were past 70%. I try not to read to much into it. In 3 weeks voters will ultimately decide, and we believe that this is largely a non-polarizing issue for most Floridians. People believe doctors should be able to help patients who are suffering, and that’s what passing Amendment 2 will do,” said United for Care (which is pushing Amendment 2) campaign manager Ben Pollara when reached by phone Monday night.
The poll, which was conducted from October 11th & 12th, saw 69% of respondents saying they are very likely to vote. 11% said they are likely to vote, with the rest claiming to have already returned absentee ballots or being somewhat likely to vote. Only 37% of respondents approved of President Obama, while 56% disapproved. 7% were unsure. On to the race for Governor…
In what has become the most expensive gubernatorial race in the history of Florida, incumbent Republican Rick Scott holds a 2 point edge over Democrat Charlie Crist – 44% to 42%. 14% of surveyed voters remain undecided in the increasingly polarizing slug-fest. Recent polls have shown either a dead heat or each candidate up by the low single digits, this one leaving the candidates within the margin of error and striking distance of one another.
Fast forward to 2016, and we get a glimpse into what a Jeb Bush vs. Hillary Clinton or Marco Rubio vs. Hillary Clinton face-off would look like. When Jebbie & Hillary face off, Florida voters give Hillary the lead with 37% to Bush’s 36% – 28% of voters remaining undecided. Clinton fares much better against Senator Rubio, claiming 43% of the vote compared to Rubio’s 35% – with only 22% of voters undecided.
“The Democrats are counting on medical marijuana to drive turn out and that does not appear likely at this point. Looking at these numbers, Pam Bondi will win overwhelmingly and Governor Scott appears to be heading towards another term. I’d be surprised if Amendment 2 passes,” explained Doug Kaplan – owner of Gravis Marketing.
The poll was commissioned by Human Events from Gravis Marketing and the full results can be seen by clicking here.
Jacob Engels, is the Founder of East Orlando Post & Seminole County Post. He is a seasoned political operative who has led numerous statewide political groups and has worked on several high-profile local, statewide, and national races. Jacob has been interviewed on national television & radio programs, with his work having been featured in the Orlando Sentinel, New York Times, Washington Post, Miami Herald and other publications nationwide. He can be reached at info@eastorlandopost.com
