Republican Attorney General Charlie Crist has opened up a wide lead over Democratic Congressman Jim Davis. The latest Rasmussen Reports election survey shows Crist ahead 54% to 38% (see crosstabs). Crist led Davis 45% to 40% earlier this month.

Crist’s comfort zone extends beyond the polls to his bank account. The campaign’s most recent financial disclosure statement shows more than $2.5 million cash-on-hand. Davis’ coffers are a little lighter with approximately $560,000 in reserves.

Crist won his primary handily, defeating Tom Gallagher by a nearly 2-1 ratio in the Republican primary. Davis’ victory was much tougher. He edged out State Senator Rod Smith 47% to 41% to take the Democratic nomination.

Crist may feel good about his lead at the moment, but the race is still far more competitive than Florida’s Senate race.

Seventy-nine percent (79%) of Crist voters say they’re casting a positive vote for him while 16% say they’re voting against Davis.

As for the Democrat, 28% of his support comes from people voting against Crist.

Thirty-five percent (35%) of voters surveyed say they have “very favorable” opinions of Crist versus 16% who feel the same toward Davis. At the other end of the spectrum, 11% feel very unfavorably toward Crist and 9% say the same of Davis. Fifteen percent (15%) of voters still aren’t sure how they feel about Davis.

The candidates are vying to succeed a popular governor. Sixty-three percent (63%) of voters approve of Gov. Jeb Bush’s job performance (40% strongly so) and 37% disapprove. His brother doesn’t fare quite as well. Forty-three percent (43%) of voters say they “strongly disapprove” of President Bush.

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