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Poll: Obama & Romney Tied In Florida

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – If Florida Republican voters are concerned with electability against President Barack Obama; a new Quinnipiac University poll shows the choice in Tuesday's election will be Mitt Romney.

According to the Q-Poll, Romney runs even with President Obama at 45 percent. Obama holds a commanding lead of 50-39 percent over Newt Gingrich in a hypothetical matchup, according to the poll.

"At least in Florida and at least at this point in the campaign, the data indicates that Gov. Mitt Romney is clearly the stronger Republican candidate against President Barack Obama," said Peter A. Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute. "As our mothers told us growing up, 'You never get a second chance to make a first impression,' and Speaker Newt Gingrich's initial impression on the overall Florida electorate is not a positive one."

But, Romney has areas where he struggles amongst Florida voters. Obama is considered more inspiring, would do a better job in a crisis and cares more about the voters, than does Romney. Voters also said Obama is more trustworthy than Romney, according to the poll.

Obama dominates amongst women, blacks, and has a nine point lead over Romney among Hispanic voters. Romney wins independent voters by one percent and carries men by just less than 10 percent.

For Obama, the key will be swaying the minds of independent voters. According to the poll, 49 percent say he doesn't deserve a second-term, while 44 percent say he does. If Obama can swing the independent voters behind him; he could cruise to victory in November.

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