Trump builds his lead, Carson falls in latest Quinnipiac Poll

Republican Donald Trump solidifies his advantage nationally in the party's presidential race as Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton improves her showing in potential general election matchups, Quinnipiac University poll finds.

·         In contest for GOP nomination, Trump leads with 27%, followed by Sen. Marco Rubio with 17%

·         Ben Carson, Sen. Ted Cruz tied with 16%, Jeb Bush next with 5%, no other contender tops 3%

·         In comparable poll released Nov. 4, Trump and Carson were in virtual tie for first

·         Poll Asst. Director Tim Malloy sums up: "Dr. Ben Carson, moving to center stage just one month ago, now needs some CPR. The doctor sinks. The Donald soars."

·         NOTE: Much of poll taken as reports emerged that Trump had disparaged reporter by making fun of his disability