Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump has expanded his lead in the early state of New Hampshire to 18 points, with Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida gaining support but still well back in second place, according to a new poll.
Mr. Trump was at 32 percent in the CNN/WMUR poll released Tuesday, followed by Mr. Rubio at 14 percent.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie was at 9 percent, followed by former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush at 8 percent, Ohio Gov. John Kasich at 7 percent, Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas at 6 percent, and former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina and retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson at 5 percent apiece.
In a September CNN/WMUR poll, Mr. Trump had been in the lead at 26 percent, followed by Mrs. Fiorina at 16 percent, Mr. Rubio at 9 percent, Mr. Carson at 8 percent, and Mr. Bush and Mr. Kasich at 7 percent apiece.
In the survey out this week, 59 percent said they think Mr. Trump will win the New Hampshire GOP primary - up 19 points since September. Six percent think Mr. Christie will win, 6 percent think Mr. Rubio will win, and 4 percent think Mr. Bush will win.
Twenty-six percent said they would not vote for Mr. Trump under any circumstances, also tops in the field.
SEE ALSO: Donald Trump defiant as Muslim ban draws widespread condemnation
Fifty percent of GOP primary voters cited foreign policy or national security, including terrorism, as the most important issue to consider when deciding who to vote for — a 29-point increase since September.
A third of likely voters said Mr. Trump would be the best candidate to handle the Islamic State terrorist group. He was followed by Mr. Bush at 11 percent and Mr. Christie at 9 percent on that question.
Voters also gave Mr. Trump the nod on the issues of electability, managing government spending, illegal immigration, and taxation.
Mr. Rubio was the most likable, voters said, and Mr. Cruz was deemed the most conservative.
About one in five likely GOP voters said they have definitely decided who to support, 26 percent said they’re leaning toward a candidate, and 56 percent are still trying to decide.
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.