Yesterday several new polls were released. To a great extent they validated what we think we know about the race. Essentially that it is a three-man race in most places involving, in order, Trump, Cruz, and Rubio. This is the overview with all the caveats about polling in full effect. In particular, because of Trump’s appeal outside the universe of typical GOP primary voters, we simply can’t have faith in the turnout models used by the pollsters.

New Hampshire

Two new polls were released. As a reminder, New Hampshire is a modified closed primary system with Republicans and independents allowed to vote. The window for Democrats changing registration closed on November 20.

The Fox News topline:

Trump 31, Cruz 14, Kasich 9, Rubio 13, Bush 7, Christie 7, Paul 5, Fiorina 3, Carson 5, Huckabee 1, Santorum 0

CBS/YouGov topline:

Trump 34, Cruz 16, Kasich 10, Rubio 14, Bush 7, Christie 7, Paul 3, Fiorina 4, Carson 5, Huckabee 0, Santorum 0

Trend line

Observations

These last two polls but Rubio back into a solid third place. This seems to imply that the avalanche of attack ads directed at Rubio have been received by the electorate, processed, and they have generally chosen to ignore them. If true, it could indicate that the big dollar super PACs, like Right to Rise, have rapidly descended from political nuclear weapons to background noise. We can confidently say that the ARG poll showing Kasich with 20% of the vote was an outlier. He is ensconced behind, though within striking distance of, Rubio.

South Carolina

One new poll of South Carolina was released. South Carolina is an open primary.

CBS/YouGov topline

Trump 40, Cruz 21, Rubio 13, Bush 8, Carson 9, Paul 3, Kasich 2, Christie 1, Huckabee 2, Fiorina 1, Santorum 0

Trend line

Observations

Trump has gained strength in this poll, though we really won’t know until after New Hampshire what, if anything, Trump’s poll numbers mean in terms of votes cast.

Georgia

One new poll out of Georgia courtesy of CBS/YouGov. Georgia has an open primary.

CBS/YouGov topline

Trump 39, Cruz 29, Rubio 13, Carson 6, Bush 2, Christie 2, Kasich 2, Fiorina 2, Huckabee 2, Paul 0, Santorum 0

Trend line

Observations

Nothing unusual here other than the establishment lane candidates (Rubio-Bush-Christie-Kasich) have declined outside the margin-of-error.

Florida

CBS/YouGov weighs in with another poll. Florida is a closed primary.

CBS/YouGov topline

Trump 41, Cruz 22, Rubio 18, Bush 4, Carson 5, Christie 2, Kasich 2, Fiorina 2, Paul 1, Huckabee 0, Santorum 0

Trend line

Observations

The Florida Atlantic University poll of last week that had Trump at 48% seems to be an outlier. His actual number is probably closer to 40. Cruz continues to gather strength. The establishment lane is coalescing around Rubio, though the aggregate share to the Rubio-Bush-Christie-Kasich cluster seems to be decreasing. It is very difficult to see how Bush continues is he actually polls in single digits in his home state.

Texas

And out last poll is out of Texas and brought to use by, surprise, CBS/YouGov. Texas is an open primary state.

CBS/YouGov topline

Cruz 45, Trump 30, Carson 5, Rubio 8, Bush 4, Fiorina 1, Paul 2, Huckabee 1, Christie 2, Kasich 1, Santorum 0

Trend line/Observations

For all intents and purposes this is the first poll from Texas, the most recent is from October. It is a two-man race and, at this point, it doesn’t seem all that close.