Internal Poll Shows Charlie Justice Leading Race for Senate District 16

Internal poll results released by Rep. Charlie Justice's campaign for State Senate District 16 (an open seat, being vacated by Sen. Jim Sebesta) suggest that he leads both Republican candidates - Rep. Kim Berfield and Rep. Frank Farkas.

Polls released by campaigns should be viewed skeptically, but what the poll suggests is not a surprise to St. Petersburg political watchers - Justice is known for being a personable and hard working candidate who knocks on a lot of doors. Farkas is better known for his ethical mishaps than his statesmanship and Berfield is simply not known at all.

The poll, however, does not address one matter - and that is Justice's lackluster fundraising. Both Farkas and Berfield have raised over $300k and Justice has raised only $53k. While he will not have to face anything like what is certain to be a bloody and expensive primary between Berfield and Farkas, Democrats cannot be happy with his numbers.

Click here for a copy of the press release.