The poll, conducted from June 30-July 11, surveyed 1,015 Florida voters, with a margin of error of 3.1 percentage points; 955 OH voters with a margin of error of 3.2 percentage points; 982 Pennsylvania voters with a margin of error of 3.1 percentage points.
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In Ohio, former gov. Ted Strickland had an early lead, but now is behind Sen.
“The numbers seem to be breaking the Republican way in the battle for control of the U.S. Senate, at least when it comes to the critical swing states of Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania”, said Peter A. Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Poll.
“Many talking heads have suggested that with Donald Trump at the top of the GOP ticket, Republican Senate candidates might suffer”, Brown added.
Rubio’s Republican challenger Carlos Beruff, meanwhile, trailed Murphy 40 to 34 percent and was tied with Grayson at 38 percent.
The Quinnipiac poll did not ask voters about the primary, but other surveys show Rubio with a commanding lead over Beruff.
Rubio, 45, of West Miami, announced in late June he would run for a second term.
“Much of what I think is going to happen in American public life is going to occur here in the Senate over the next six years, irrespective of who wins (the presidential race)”, he said. Marco Rubio’s seat in a contentious race and his opponents were quick to issue statements on the issue.
U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy’s office tried to hold the announcement of help for businesses affected by algae blooms so he could break the news in a Thursday conference.
Reginald Luster, 52, a former assistant US attorney, has filed to run for the Senate and will be on the Florida Democratic primary ballot in August.
The Quinnipiac University poll shows Rubio leading Murphy and Grayson among men, women and voters in most age groups. Rubio enjoys a similar advantage over Grayson.
Independent voters back Rubio 51%-32%.
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Rubio’s current job approval rating as senator is split, 46-43 percent.
