ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Gov. Charlie Crist has lost a straw poll in his home county and some observers say it reveals signs of weakness in his Senate campaign.
Pinellas County Republicans voted 106-54 Monday night to back former House Speaker Marco Rubio.
That’s the same GOP committee that unanimously endorsed Crist for governor during a 2005 meeting.
Political scientist Darryl Paulson says the turnaround is potentially devastating for Crist, who has a large money advantage over Rubio.
Crist is dismissing recent straw polls, saying they reflect a small number of voters. Still, Crist worked phones trying to win support before the meeting.
While the vote doesn’t count in the primary, it is seen as symbolic of Rubio’s rising support with the party’s conservative base.
