President 2012 GOP Florida Poll Watch: Romney 51% Vs. Obama 43% Or Perry 46% Vs. Obama 45%

A new Sachs/Mason-Dixon Florida Poll finds Barack Obama trailing Mitt Romney in America’s biggest battleground and in a dead heat with Texas Gov. Rick Perry among Republicans.

“Unlike 2008, if the election were held today, President Obama would face a stiffer headwind to hold onto Florida and its 29 electoral votes against a top-tier Republican challenger – and that could cost him reelection,” said Ron Sachs, President of Ron Sachs Communications. “Judging by the poll, President Obama’s success in 2008 will be more difficult to duplicate in 2012. The Presidency will go to the candidate with the message that resonates with Florida’s unique and diverse population and the resources to ensure that message is received by voters across the state.”

Among the findings of the August Sachs/Mason-Dixon Florida Poll:

• 51 percent of Floridians would vote for Governor Romney compared to 43 percent for President Obama;
• In a hypothetical matchup with Texas Governor Rick Perry, Perry leads with 46 percent to Obama’s 45 percent
• President Obama leads Congresswoman Michele Bachmann 46 percent to 44 percent
• 41 percent of Floridians approve of President Obama’s job performance while 56 percent disapprove. Fifty five percent of independents disapprove

The GOP Presidential field is looking good in Florida. If they can avoid a messy primary election, then it looks likely for a 29 vote pick up in the Electoral College.

Here is the primary breakdown:

• Mitt Romney   28%
• Rick Perry   21%
• Michelle Bachman  13%
• Herman Cain   7%
• Newt Gingrich  5%
• Ron Paul   4%
• Rick Santorum  2%
• Jon Huntsman    –
• Someone else 3%
• Undecided 17%