The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey in Florida finds former state House Speaker Marco Rubio leading Democrat Kendrick Meek 49% to 35%. Governor Charlie Crist leads Meek 42% to 36%. For Rubio, those numbers are little changes since October and August. Crist’s edge over Meek is down from a 12-point lead in October. The reason for the difference is that 79% of conservatives support Rubio but only 62% say Crist can count on their vote.

If Rubio can beat Meek — and poll like this despite lack of party support — why the heck is the GOP behind Crist?

Yes, he can.