spot_imgspot_img

Senate seat, amendments on the line in Florida elections

spot_img

(The Center Square) – When Florida voters go to the polls on Tuesday, two ballot initiatives and a U.S. Senate race represent the marquee contests.

Republican U.S. Sen. Rick Scott is locked in a relatively tight race with Democratic former U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell and is running behind poll numbers for former President Donald Trump in his race against Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris.

The two ballot initiatives involving recreational marijuana and abortion rights are either polling or are near 60% of the vote, which would be needed for them to be added to the state’s constitution. Supporters for those two amendments have raised $256 million combined.

Two polls released in the last weeks before the election show a 4-point lead for Scott, who narrowly defeated former U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson 50.1%-49.9% in 2018.

According to aggregator RealClear Polling, Scott is leading in all of the polls, with margins ranging from a 9-point lead (New York Times/Siena College poll on Oct. 4) to a 2-point lead (Marist poll on Oct. 7).

The latest three polls, one from Florida Atlantic University/Main Street USA, one from Emerson College and another from the University of North Florida, show a tight race.

Both Florida Atlantic and Emerson polls show Scott with a 4-point advantage, with North Florida’s poll showing an even tighter race with a 3% lead. Trump’s support in all three polls is north of 52%.

“At just 3 percentage points, Rick Scott’s lead is significantly narrower than Trump’s, similar to what we saw back in July,” said Michael Binder, the director of faculty at the University of North Florida’s Public Opinion Research Lab in a release. “Much like the rest of the country, Trump is running notably ahead of Senate candidates in the same state.”

Senate seats are becoming expensive, as data from the Federal Election Commission shows nearly $1.54 billion has been raised by candidates this year.

Scott is no exception. The former Florida governor has raised $40.4 million and spent about $39.8 million in the runup to Election Day.

Powell isn’t far behind, raising $31.4 million while spending $29.7 million.

Polling also shows Amendment 3 having broad support at 60%, enough to ensure its passage. North Florida’s poll has support for recreational cannabis at 66%, while the Emerson polls have support at 60%.

Amendment 4 doesn’t fare as well in the polling, but it is still close. The Florida Atlantic poll has the abortion rights amendment at 58% support with 32% opposed and 10% undecided. North Florida has support at 60%, while Emerson has it at 53%.

Both are well-funded enterprises, with supporters of Amendment 3 having raised $148 million, most of it ($141.8 million) coming from cannabis retailer Trulieve, according to data from the secretary of state’s office.

Floridians Protecting Freedom put Amendment 4 on the ballot and they’ve received $108 million in contributions, according to state data, with most of those funds coming from the Service Employees International Union and the American Civil Liberties Union.

DON’T MISS OUT

Be the first to know about the latest news, giveaways, events, and updates from The Black Chronicle!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

spot_img
spot_img

Hot this week

African and Caribbean Nations Call for Reparations for Slave Trade, Propose Global Fund

Nations across Africa and the Caribbean, deeply impacted by...

Health care company agrees to pay $22.5 million to settle claims of over billing

A health care company agreed to pay nearly $22.5...

Sports betting expert offers advice on paying taxes for gambling winnings

(The Center Square) – Tax season is underway, and...

Entertainment district benefits don’t outweigh the cost, economists say

(The Center Square) — Weeks later, after more details...

Business association ‘disappointed’ by WA L&I’s proposed workers comp rate hike

(The Center Square) – The Association of Washington Business...

Spelman College President Dr. Helene Gayle Steps Down Permanently

According to the Associated Press, Spelman College President Dr....

Wisconsin Libertarians: Give taxpayers their money back

(The Center Square) – Add Wisconsin’s Libertarian Party to...

Without title, proposal to end qualified immunity moves forward

(The Center Square) – Three months after turning away...

Michigan gas prices nearly the same as Thanksgiving 2023

(The Center Square) – Michigan gas prices the day...

Film production and historic rehabilitation credits survive tax reform

(The Center Square) − Several bills passed by Louisiana...

Kentucky motorists paying less at the pump this holiday season

(The Center Square) – Drivers going through Kentucky this...

Indiana fuel costs not much different than last Thanksgiving

(The Center Square) – This Thanksgiving weekend will feel...

More like this
Related

Spelman College President Dr. Helene Gayle Steps Down Permanently

According to the Associated Press, Spelman College President Dr....

Wisconsin Libertarians: Give taxpayers their money back

(The Center Square) – Add Wisconsin’s Libertarian Party to...

Without title, proposal to end qualified immunity moves forward

(The Center Square) – Three months after turning away...