Rubio's Poll Numbers Slip, but Republicans Still Like Him

Sen. Marco Rubio's popularity has slipped among voters as the push for immigration reform continues in the Senate, but the Florida lawmaker still is popular with most Republicans, according to a poll released Monday by Rasmussen Reports.

The Florida Republican is viewed favorably by 58 percent of Republican voters surveyed, down 10 points since the last poll May and 15 points since February. Only 16 percent of Republicans had an unfavorable opinion of the freshman lawmaker while 25 percent remain undecided about him.

But the poll of 1,000 voters conducted June 20-21 also found that the level of enthusiasm for Rubio continues to slide among Republicans, with 21 percent having a "very favorable" opinion of him compared to 44 percent in February and 31 percent in May.

Among all voters, Rubio's favorability rating was down 5 points from February to 37 percent, while 35 percent said they have an unfavorable view of the senator, who is seen as a likely presidential contender in 2016.

Rubio's poll numbers have taken a hit because of his work on immigration reform, a position that has put him at odds with some conservatives in the party. The cracks in his support were all too evident last week during a tea party rally in front of the Capitol when the mention of his name was booed, The Hill reported.

There's also been talk from former GOP Rep. Allen West of a possible primary challenge to Rubio when he comes up for re-election in 2016.