One time front-runner Jeb Bush's exit from the 2016 GOP presidential race has helped Donald Trump expand his lead over his challengers to 15 points, according to a new voter survey.

Rasmussen Reports said on Tuesday that Trump sits at 36 percent nationally, a huge margin over Sen. March Rubio, at 21 percent, and Sen. Ted Cruz at 17 percent.



The three are vying Tuesday in the Nevada caucuses where Trump is expected to tower over the others.

Rasmussen found that Trump expanded his lead by five points since the beginning of the month.

"In the latest survey taken on the two nights immediately following the South Carolina primary, Ohio Gov. John Kasich picks up 12 percent of the GOP vote, while Dr. Ben Carson runs last with 8 percent support," said the analysis.

Rasmussen said that Kasich also improved his numbers.

Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner's "Washington Secrets" columnist, can be contacted at pbedard@washingtonexaminer.com