A new Quinnipiac University poll shows Hillary Clinton is down in three critical swing states, Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

The poll released Tuesday shows Clinton behind former Gov. Jeb Bush 45 percent to 42 percent in Florida and in Pennsylvania she is behind U.S. Sen. Rand Paul 45 percent to 44 percent.  In Ohio, Clinton is ahead of Paul 46 percent to 41 percent.

Quinnipiac focused the poll on Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania because since 1960 no candidate has won the presidential race without taking at least two of the three states.

Matchups between Clinton and her closest Republican opponent in each state show:

  • Florida: Bush at 45 percent to Clinton’s 42 percent
  • Ohio: Clinton over Paul 46 – 41 percent
  • Pennsylvania: Paul at 45 percent to 44 percent for Clinton

The poll was conducted March 17 – 28 . Quinnipiac University surveyed 1,087 Florida voters with a margin of error of +/- 3 percent, 1,077 Ohio voters with a margin of error of +/- 3 percent, and 1,036 Pennsylvania voters with a margin of error of +/- 3 percent.

Open in a new tab: Quinnipiac University swing state poll, March 31, 2015 (PDF)

Read the Quinnipiac University swing state poll