Steven Senne Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. STEVEN SENNE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Arguably, a string of statements regarding the measures the USA should take combat Islamic State terrorists and track potential threats inside the country has helped Trump's standing among Republican primary voters. Meanwhile, Carson is now tied with Sen.

Marco Rubio maintains the largest margin of victory over the Democratic presidential candidate, and would beat Clinton today 50-42, according to the poll.

Just a month ago, the same poll found Trump and Carson in a dead heat at 26 percent each, but since then Carson's numbers have dipped by an alarming eight points. However, amid the increased scrutiny that accompanies front-runner status, questions have been raised about claims Carson has made about his personal history.

"Despite conjecture that Donald Trump has plateaued, his support in Florida remains very strong and could be growing", said Kevin Wagner, Ph.D., associate professor of political science at FAU and a research fellow of the Initiative. Could his angry message be sufficiently informed and feel authentically Republican to enough voters to make him the GOP nominee?

A post-Paris Reuters poll had him once again leading the GOP presidential field nationally with 36 percent of Republicans' backing - far more than any rival. Ted Cruz 47% to 40%, and Florida Sen.

I'm a little guy shy when it comes to Politico stories about Ben Carson, so I chose to see if poll data supports its thesis that the doctor is fading in Iowa. Trump had 27 percent, more than twice as much as his next closest competitor, Rubio, who had 13 percent.

Carolyn Kaster Republican presidential candidate Ohio Gov. John Kasich. CAROLYN KASTNER ASSOCIATED PRESS

The Texas Republican won't tear down fellow presidential contender Donald Trump.

Notably, most Republicans in the early states say the attacks will not have a major impact on their vote, and memories may fade over the more than two months until voting begins.

"Among the candidates, he's been the most prominent talking about the importance of religion to him", University of Utah political science professor Matthew Burbank said, something voters can identify with in a predominantly Mormon state.

"And experience does matter", Kasich said, a reference to his two terms as governor of OH and 18 years as a member of the U.S. House.

Rubio not only commands the widest margin against Clinton, he's the only one who hits the 50 percent mark.

Following the Times' report, Carson's campaign looked to distance itself from Clarridge. Ben Carson, who's also facing criticism for comments surrounding Syrian refugees, will be interviewed on ABC's This Week.