DeSantis’ campaign released its internal numbers along with a lengthy statement Sunday ripping CNN for releasing what it called “a questionable and misleading poll attempting to portray DeSantis as trailing Gillum by double digits.” Spokesman Stephen Lawson alleged that CNN hoped to give Gillum an advantage.
DeSantis’ campaign criticized the methodology of the poll, which was based off of answers from 1,012 adults who were asked how they identify their politics as opposed to their actual registration (a strategy used by some pollsters). The resulting breakdown was 32 percent Democrat, 29 percent Republican and 39 percent Independent – figures that are out-of-whack with historical midterm election turnouts for Florida.
“This poll is as amusing as it is suspicious in that it was released hours before a debate between the two candidates – clearly meant to give the advantage to Andrew Gillum,” Lawson said.
Democratic candidate Andrew Gillum predicted victory in the Florida governor’s race Saturday night during the Miami-Dade Democratic Party Blue Gala at The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables.