November 27, 2007
Posted: 04:00 PM ET

Giuliani holds the lead in a new poll out of Florida.

ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA (CNN) — He may be trailing in the early primary states, but in the race for the Republican presidential nomination, it appears Rudy Giuliani is the front runner in the Sunshine State.

If the Florida Republican primary were held today, the former New York City mayor would finish on top with support of 38 percent of likely primary voters, according to a new CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll released Tuesday. (Full poll results [PDF])

That's 21 points ahead of his closest rival, Mitt Romney. The former Massachusetts governor received the support of 17 percent of those polled, with Senator John McCain of Arizona and former Senator Fred Thompson of Tennessee tied at 11 percent.

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee is at 9 percent in the survey, followed by Rep. Ron Paul of Texas at 5 percent, Rep. Duncan Hunter of California at 1 percent and Congressman Tom Tancredo of Colorado at less than 1 percent.

The poll, involving telephone interviews with 300 voters likely Florida Republican presidential primary voters, was conducted November 25-26. The poll's margin of sampling error was plus-or-minus 5.5 percentage points.

Full story

– CNN Deputy Political Director Paul Steinhauser

Filed under: CNN/YouTube Debate • Flordia • Presidential Candidates


Martin   January 25th, 2008 12:19 am ET

please stop hiding Ron Paul.

we would like……

John   January 20th, 2008 4:58 am ET

Hello all. Are you concerned about the Government intruding in your families? Mike Huckabee is the only one running who will stand for family rights. McCain only dodges questions about family rights issues…ALSO, remember McCain's "Tar Baby" comment? Ha! McCain is not only an establishment beltway boy, but also a racist.
I spoke to a liberal a while back about Huckabee…all they could say was: "he's an evangelical…or he just talks about 'family values, whatever that is'." Isn't that sick? My goodness, if you don't know what family values are, you are in a sad state indeed.
Liberals like Hillary Clinton, believe the government is better suited to raise kids and care for the elderly than their families…They long for a day when the U.S. …indeed the world, is entirely Humanist and Secular. There is a real trend towards forcing elderly into nursing homes and the state stealing their assets…just look at savegrandma.org…likewise with the state taking kids…Mike Huckabee won't stand for this type of thing…The Clinton rein of terror duing the 90's did a great deal of damage to the moral identity of the United States, not to mention diminishing our position in the world community…McCain is a phony conservative….Mike Huckabee is the man for the job of running America. Please America, think long and hard about this. Isn't it interesting that from the close of the New Hampshire primary to the end of S.C. primary, the major networks seemed to focus most on Romney and McCain? Why? They are establishment types…Huck is not…Fox, CNN, etc. are extablishment…
Huck made them all eat crow after Iowa…I am afraid some republicans are buying into the media's crap that Huck can't win against a strong democrat…I disagree…We need Huck…I fear our country cannot survive without good traditional leadership…We need someone who values the 2nd amendment…we need someone who values the people…their families…their faith….We need Mike Huckabee…for your family, and your nation…Mike Huckabee.

Jason King Lynn Haven FL   November 30th, 2007 7:09 pm ET

Im a floridian and I dont know a single person who supports Guiliani. Viewing the CNN debate Wednesday night cleared a few things up for me. Ron Paul is looking really good to me now.

Concerned Citizen   November 29th, 2007 12:43 am ET

Don't forget many Floridians in key cities consist of retired Italians and Jews who moved from NYC suburbs when they saw their old neighborhoods "turning bad." It's no wonder they would support Guiliani and his warmongering ideology.

Fred Staggs, Oklahoma City, OK   November 28th, 2007 10:31 am ET

Isn't the real story here, "Hillary leads Rudy 51-42 in new Florida poll"?

Smart in Florida   November 28th, 2007 10:24 am ET

I really think we should have the option of voting for "None of the above". That way we are not forced to vote for the lesser of two evils and it just might {?} send a message to the candidates that we mean business even if they don't.

Anonymous   November 28th, 2007 9:51 am ET

its not going to be a solid lead after Romney sweeps Iowa, New Hamshire, and South Carolina. Once people see the victories they will jump on his bandwagon.

Also most Americans don't know how liberal Guiliani is on social issues.

Posted By Adams : November 27, 2007 4:14 pm

Actually, we do know how liberal he is on social issues and that is why he is holding a lead over Romney. The future of the Republican party is fiscal conservtive and social liberal. Go Rudy!!!

mr citizen, new york, ny   November 28th, 2007 8:43 am ET

How can anyone believe in this partner of the big cover hoop of the nine eleven story!!!!!

peace for all of us~

Alice Newman Center Harbor NH   November 28th, 2007 7:41 am ET

A shout out to those who love Rudy… info from Fact Check:

Rudy Giuliani's latest TV ad falsely claims New York City experienced "record crime … until Rudy." In fact, the city recorded its highest rates of both violent crime and property crime years before he took office. The downward trend was well established before he was sworn in.

Giuliani's ad also repeats some boasts we've found to be misleading in the past. It claims he cut taxes by $9 billion but counts several tax cuts that he didn't initiate or sign, and one that he lobbied against before changing course. It also boasts that he cut welfare rolls by 60 percent but fails to note that the reduction in New York was a bit less than it was for the nation as a whole.

When you vote, just please, for the sake of our country, base your vote on facts, not just party or "looking presidential." We can not afford another 8 years of a president you can sit down and have a beer with.

Surrealist, Fort Myers, FL   November 28th, 2007 7:38 am ET

Doesn't have my vote. I'm not suprised–since most of the "blue hairs" in the 4 largest counties are retired NY cops, fire fighters, or municiap/state employees.

Alice Newman Center Harbor NH   November 28th, 2007 7:33 am ET

Why is it when you say "vote" and "Florida" in one sentence, intelligent people either wince or laugh?

CNN today: Poll: Florida Republicans oppose making abortion illegal, gay marriage legal

Sounds like a match made in Miami – I'm concerned that – being far away – mentally & geographically – Florida voters will ignore or be uniformed about NYC fire fighter's story or the corruption and crony's that litter Rudy's past.

ProudVet ny ny   November 28th, 2007 5:34 am ET

Floridians keep the sunshining because with the smirk, another war!

JD Rugby ND   November 28th, 2007 12:23 am ET

So now we know there are at least 114 people in Florida who have not been paying attention to current events. 114 likely Republican voters who support Rudy is a far cry from Giuliani holds solid lead in Florida. Rudy would be a worse president than the current worst American president in history.

Nimesh Chicago, IL   November 27th, 2007 10:30 pm ET

I am tired of hearing people vote for "the candidate that is most likely to win". Whatever happened to voting for the candidate that best reflects YOUR VIEWPOINT?

If the Republican electorate is only concerned with voting for the candidate that will most likely win, then they will receive a candidate that will win their nomination but not reflect their ideology. Now does that make sense?

I am voting for Ron Paul. I don't care that the main stream media, the polls, etc.. say "he can not win". If Ron Paul does not win the nomination then I will vote for a third party candidate or sit this election out.

Alex, Winter Springs FL   November 27th, 2007 9:31 pm ET

Good for him! I plan to vote for McCain in the primary, but I'd be happy to support Giuliani in the general election.

Also, the Ron Paulites' comments are getting old. I love freedom of speech, but the Ron Paul supporters need to realize that their man has no chance whatsoever of winning the nomination.

Anonymous   November 27th, 2007 9:30 pm ET

Good for him! I plan to vote for McCain in the primary, but I'd be happy to support Giuliani in the general election.

Also, the Ron Paulites are getting sort of old. I'm all for freedom of speech, but dont act like your guy is going to win when he has no chance whatsoever.

Laura Tulsa OK   November 27th, 2007 8:35 pm ET

reply to Phil in Newmarket NH – I understand exactly what you're saying about "electibility" . Once each party selects their nom. it's up to voters to ask themselves what is a dealbreaker. Guiliani will allow abortion, tho he doesn't advocate it. That could be a deal breaker for some. But if you can live with it, and 80 percent of what a candidate has done is agreeable to you, that's your man (or woman). Hillary is probably the most "war-mongering" Democrat, so those who vote for her have to accept that we might be in Iraq. No one is going to give you 100 per cent.

Ron Nebraska   November 27th, 2007 7:49 pm ET

This polling crap has absolutely gotten ridiculous! You call 300 voters out of how many thousands and extrapolate a potential winner from that?! A poll of such a limited sample is really less than useful and only serves to further confuse and manipulate an ignorant electorate instead of bringing clarity to any candidates position.

Craig, Seattle, WA   November 27th, 2007 6:50 pm ET

Guiliani has NO EXPERIENCE to be president… and like hell do I want a Mormon in office… I will vote Democrat!

frank tulsa ok   November 27th, 2007 6:50 pm ET

"The fact that Guiliani can hold the largely Christian Southern states is a very good sign for him" aj

Yeah those Christians sure do love those candidates with solid personal credentials when it come to family values. I had no idea they would love a liberal so much.

If Rudy was a Dem front runner the hypocrites would have condemned him to hell by now.

Party over values in the new Christian mantra.

Anonymous   November 27th, 2007 6:50 pm ET

Must be the large Israeli appeaser population there.

Mark Murray UT   November 27th, 2007 6:39 pm ET

I don't ever believe these polls. They never state how they are conducted, and they don't seem to reflect the options of people I know.

Henry, VA   November 27th, 2007 6:37 pm ET

Florida is a sesspool. Things happen there that befoul the entire nation.

Walt, Belton, TX   November 27th, 2007 6:32 pm ET

Hey Phil,
You call it having to chose between the lesser of two evils, I call it having to chose the least worst! I'm afraid we've been doing that since the Bicentennial, except for Reagan.

God help the USA!

Jack, New York   November 27th, 2007 6:16 pm ET

If you keep polling the people that make up the “Giuliani Base” then he will always come out on top.

You can have a poll reflect any result you want. It's all on what questions are asked and who you choose to poll. Until polls are simplified and transparent they're practically meaningless.

Bush has the lowest approval ratings of any American President. If he were on the ballot again, how many of you would vote for him? Exactly.

Rudy and Bush are the same — only with different lipstick. Unless voter fraud is once again perfected and ignored by the media, Rudy has zero chance of success.

Darth Vadik, Glendora CA   November 27th, 2007 5:53 pm ET

Rudy leading in Florida, what a surprise? Picking a choice from these republican candidates is like watching a horror movie and picking which way is the best to die.

Do you want Rudy "Nosferatu" Giuliani…

Fred "the Mummy" Thompson…

A Old Mad Man "Jason Vorhees" McCain with a chainsaw…

The Mitt "the Red Dragon" Romney (from the Hanibal Lector series if you're wondering)…

or, the Ron "i'll shotgun all the government programs" Paul…

WOW, I'd rather pick my own eyes out than vote for any of these monsters.

Phil, Newmarket, NH   November 27th, 2007 5:46 pm ET

I am concerned that people will vote “elect-ability” and not their personal political philosophy. After months of holding my nose and saying I would support Giuliani I have come to my senses. I can’t vote for a person who I don’t believe in. If anyone but Ron Paul wins the Republican nomination my general election vote is going for a third party. I am tired of thinking I HAVE to choose between the lesser of two evils.

Matt, Chicago   November 27th, 2007 5:44 pm ET

His FLA supporters must've left NYC before he became mayor. rudy is a fraud.

Michelle D. - Atlanta, GA   November 27th, 2007 5:41 pm ET

From where I sit I just can't figure out those folks in Florida (and I used to live there that's why I left).

Are you really going to trust a man who has had absolutely no respect for his marriage vows (married 3 times and had been fooling around on his 2nd wife). Morals are a HUGE issue with this guy. For goodness sakes…his own kids are estranged from him…for a REASON!!!

Walt, Belton, TX   November 27th, 2007 5:28 pm ET

Don't pat Rudy's back too hard just yet, they're still checking chads…..

Christopher, Rudy is a fraud, Madison, WI   November 27th, 2007 5:20 pm ET

Good Old draft dodging Rudy. In 1968 he got a deferment letter from a judge because he was a law clerk. Of course "law clerk" in 1968 was not an acceptable reason for deferment. Yes what a great track record…an adulter, mob connections, loathed by the NYC fire department and police force, drag queen and all around supporter of gay rights and abortion. Sounds like a true winner for the GOP. I guess when FauxNoise had selected him 2 years ago it was a done deal. Thank Rupert Murdoch for this blundering idiot. Is that a lisp a hear. Good God Bush doesn't speak English and this one lisps. How his buddy the other adulter and bribe accepter doing. Is it the heat or the humidity that makes people in Florida so stupid?

Jed in Texas   November 27th, 2007 5:19 pm ET

Daaa, maybe Florida has mostly rich and retired New Yorkers living there with dementia. Lets not forget the nut jobs who think they will get Cuba back and build a giant casino out of it.lmao

Anonymous   November 27th, 2007 5:15 pm ET

300 people polled!!!! I would say spend some more time making calls and make the story worth something!

jim Scottsdale AZ   November 27th, 2007 5:15 pm ET

Rudy is a crook and a liar, of course it is Florida. I hate to think about the Beast he married in the White House. You think Georege W was a mess.

Florida why don't you keep him

Daniel, NY   November 27th, 2007 5:10 pm ET

Another poll of Florida out today has Giuliani at 26%, ahead of Huckabee who is at 17%, a strong second — which is a HUGE shake-up in the GOP nomination race as Huckabee is becoming a very serious contender.

Jon B Olathe KS   November 27th, 2007 5:08 pm ET

Why would anyone be shocked…Rudy has campaigned in Florida more than all the other candidates put together.

Poll florida republicans with landline phones who voted in the 2004 primary and of course Rudy polls highest. (these would be primarily the retired seniors pro-Bush, not able to accept that the government is what it has become)

He is the establishment/fear mongers #1 guy.

If Bush had been competent and actually addressed the nation soon after the 9/11 attacks Guliani would be a non-candidate. His name recognition and promotion of fear are the only things that keep him in the race.

Cris Berger Seattle Wa.   November 27th, 2007 5:03 pm ET

The Ghoul is INSANE and out of control… and his JUDGEMENT… is in the toilet…
Lets review… The command center in the WTC… against the advice of EVERYONE.. he was wrong..

Bernie Kerrick.. The Ghoul NOT ONLY appointed him a COP.. he was in BUSINESS WITH HIM… and what is Kerrick?? A CRIMINAL…

Yeah we need ANOTHER criminal in the White House.. the vote for the Ghoul

Scum Sucking Lawyer, Fort Lauderdale, FL   November 27th, 2007 4:50 pm ET

As a Floridian, don't worry. The Republican party has already stripped Florida of at least half of its delegates to the Convention, and the Democratic party has stripped all! Doesn't matter who leads in Florida; we won't have enough delegates either way to swing who will be the candidate. Good luck to the rest of the country.

Brendan H., San Antonio, TX   November 27th, 2007 4:46 pm ET

Florida elected Jeb Bush – this doesn't say much!

Bill, Streamwood, IL   November 27th, 2007 4:41 pm ET

The only reason that Rudy Giuliani is doing so well in Florida is because those people who couldn't figure out how to punch a voting card correctly in 2000 think that he is really Bob Newhart.

Angelina Julie Lexington Kentucky   November 27th, 2007 4:38 pm ET

Giuliani is pro-choice. This won't fly with Christians. Ron Paul is about the only candidate paying attention to both the rights of the mother and the rights of the unborn. And he's not a big hypocritical liar. Vote Ron Paul.

Ethan, Los Angeles, CA   November 27th, 2007 4:35 pm ET

Giuliani would be a nightmare for this country, a full continuation of Bush's dynasty that attacks the American people first and asks no questions later. Ask the NY firefighters how they feel about Giuliani. The answer might shock you!

How do you ask your questions? Who are you asking? It is easy to ask questions that result in likely answers CNN!

im Minneapolis, Mn   November 27th, 2007 4:35 pm ET

This is the state I would be most concerned with when it comes to voter fraud. Between Iowa and Florida voter fraud and rigging is a real concern. It becomes obvious when candidates like Rudy have no real message or support are somehow in the lead.

Cleaner44, Goodyear, AZ   November 27th, 2007 4:32 pm ET

Ron Paul is the people's choice because he will restore our republic instead of selling it to special interests. He dominates in straw polls, debate polls, fund raising, web traffic and grass roots networking. I have created a website to support this statement.

Please visit http://www.thecaseforronpaul.com and judge for yourself.

Wayne, Greenville TX   November 27th, 2007 4:25 pm ET

And when the rest of the country learns what NY firefighters know about what Rudy REALLY did on 9/11, his candidacy will go the way of Sam Brownback…..

Independent in IA   November 27th, 2007 4:18 pm ET

Not to worry…Florida hasn't gotten anything right yet.

Kate, Aurora CO   November 27th, 2007 4:15 pm ET

Great going Florida. First you force Bush on us and now you plan to do the same with Giuliani. I honestly do not know why any rational person would think of electing a man whose only platform is fear. This man has exploited 9/11 for his own political and personal financial gain. He thinks of himself as a hero of 9/11 when in reality he did exactly what he was elected to do. He did not run into the buildings or grab a fire hose or feed the fireman. He walked around, shook some hands and took photo after photo. Prior to 9/11 this man's approval rating was below 40% and after 9/11 both the NYC firefighters and police officers will not endorse this pathetic excuse of a human being for president. Florida please wake up. He is NOT a hero.

Adams   November 27th, 2007 4:14 pm ET

its not going to be a solid lead after Romney sweeps Iowa, New Hamshire, and South Carolina. Once people see the victories they will jump on his bandwagon.

Also most Americans don't know how liberal Guiliani is on social issues.

aj huntington ny   November 27th, 2007 4:13 pm ET

WOW ! The fact that Guiliani can hold the largely Christian Southern states is a very good sign for him. He will shine in the debate because he's got the track record of a winner . Congratulations Rudy

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