http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/article/2566257The timing of former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush's announcement today that he is jumping into the GOP presidential race is perfect as a new national poll finds that he is both the top choice and second choice of Republicans nationwide.
The Saint Leo University Polling Institute said that Bush is the top pick in the crowded field, with 16 percent choosing him. That is a 1 point increase over the Florida university's poll in March.
And asked who their second choice would be, Bush again led, said the polling outfit.
Two other key points:
• When asked who Republicans felt would "likely win" the GOP nomination, Bush was the runaway favorite at 29 percent. Next was Florida Sen. Marco Rubio tied with Texas Sen. Ted Cruz at 8 percent.
• Bush would still lose to Hillary Clinton in a general election, 47 percent to 43 percent, but the poll analysis said it was the best showing in the poll for a Republican.
"Bush is maintaining his position but seems to be losing some enthusiasm among Republicans," said Frank Orlando, instructor of political science at Saint Leo University. "His strongly favorable/strongly unfavorable rating among Republicans is as low as it's been since last June. Despite that, his head-to-head with Hillary Clinton result was his best showing ever in our national poll," added Orlando.
Poll questions:
We know it's early, but thinking about the presidential election in 2016. Here is a list of potential candidates who may run for the Republican nomination. If the Republican primary for president were held today, which one of the following would you support for the Republican nomination?
• 16% Jeb Bush
• 13% Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul
• 13% Texas Sen. Ted Cruz
• 10% Florida Sen. Marco Rubio
• 7% Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker
• 7% Dr. Ben Carson
• 6% New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie
• 5% former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee
Regardless of whom you personally support, which candidate do you think is most likely to win the Republican nomination for president in 2016?
• 29% Bush
• 8% Rubio
• 8% Cruz
• 7% Walker
• 7% Paul
• 6% Christie