Republicans losing ground in latest Florida polls

Poll Gives Davis Lead Over Crist, Gallagher

TALLAHASSEE - -- "For the first time, a poll shows Democrat Jim Davis with a tie or lead against the two top Republican candidates for governor, Charlie Crist and Tom Gallagher -- a possible effect of declining popularity of the Bush presidency.

"The poll, by Quinnipiac University Polling Institute, shows Davis leading by 40 percent to 39 percent when matched against Crist and 41 percent to 38 percent against Gallagher.

"Given the 3.4 percentage-point error margin, both outcomes are statistical ties, but they compare with double-digit leads for Crist and Gallagher when matched against Davis in previous polls."

TBO story here.


Harris loses campaign manager

TALLAHASSEE -- "In a double blow to her already-struggling U.S. Senate campaign, Republican Katherine Harris lost her campaign manager Tuesday as a new poll showed her badly trailing incumbent Democrat Bill Nelson.

"Jim Dornan, a GOP consultant with a long background in national politics, stepped down from his position as Harris' campaign manager, citing a "difference of opinions." He will remain on the Longboat Key Republican's team as a 'senior adviser'."

• Ledger story here.