Florida: DeSantis Claims Lead

Rep. Ron DeSantis (R-Palm Coast/Daytona Beach) released an internal North Star Opinion Research poll (3/12-15; 600 FL likely Republican primary voters) that stakes the Atlantic Coast Congressman to a 21-19% lead over Agriculture Commissioner and former Congressman Adam Putnam in their open race for the Republican gubernatorial nomination.  Creating a hypothetical one-on-one primary between DeSantis and Putnam, the poll found the Congressman leading 28-23%.  Twelve Republicans have announced their candidacies, but only state House Speaker Richard Corcoran (R-Land O’Lakes) is a formidable opponent to Messrs. DeSantis and Putnam. 
 
With a May 30th candidate filing deadline, an August 28th primary, and the leading Republican candidates virtually tied, this race is weeks, if not months, away from becoming defined.  Gov. Rick Scott (R) is ineligible to seek a third term but is likely to announce his US Senate challenge to incumbent Bill Nelson (D) on April 9th.

--Jim Ellis