As I've written and commented in diaries about my candidate, Clint Curtis, I've been very upfront about it being something of a longshot. Sure, Tom Feeney's the only UNindicted member of the infamous Scotland golfing trip paid for by Jack Abramoff; sure, he's a close friend of the Bushies as well as Mark Foley; sure, he was selected by CREW as one of their
20 most corrupt Congresspersons. But let's face it: Clint has almost no name recognition in the district, a comparatively miniscule campaign warchest, and no political experience. What chance does he really have?
Well, I've never been happier to admit I was wrong. Because the first official poll (Zogby) shows Clint IN ALMOST A DEAD HEAT WITH FEENEY! Details below the fold.
Sorry for the use of caps, but I can't help it. I'm thrilled with this news and want to make sure all Kossacks see it! Read 'em and weep:
The poll of 402 likely voters in the 24th district showed:
Feeney 45%
Curtis 43
Other 2
Not sure 10
MOE +/-5
The race for the U.S. House of Representatives in Florida's 24th District is a virtual toss-up. Incumbent Tom Feeney holds the slimmest of leads over challenger Clint Curtis, 45% to 43%, with one in ten (10%) undecided.
Each candidate leads big among his own party's members, but Curtis leads among independents, 48% to 37%.
You can read more at Clint's campaign blog, the BradBlog, and Velvet Revolution, the election integrity group which commissioned the Zogby poll.
Like many others have done for their candidates, I've requested contributions to Clint (and have received several, for which I'm very grateful). But I realize a lot of people are hesitant because they didn't feel Clint had much of a chance, and they wanted to send their money where it would do the most good. Understandably so! It's my hope that this great poll news will sway some of you who have wanted to give to Clint, but have been hesitant because you didn't know if it was a viable race. Now we know.
As always, please help if you can. :-)
Clint Curtis for Congress
Be sure to include the DKos penny - Clint knows what it means.
[Disclosure: I'm a volunteer for the Clint Curtis for Congress campaign.]