A new poll gives progressive candidate Megan Barry a 1-point lead ahead of the Sept. 10 runoff
On behalf of
The Tennessean, PPP gives us our first (and perhaps only) independent poll of the non-partisan but very nasty Sept. 10 runoff between conservative David Fox and progressive Megan Barry. PPP
gives Barry a slim 46-45 lead, and it's anyone's guess what will happen here on Thursday.
The poll was in the field Aug. 31 and Sept. 1, about when Fox unleashed a radio spot depicting Barry as an anti-Christian extremist. The ad accused Barry and her husband Bruce of opposing a National Day of Prayer and prayer before high school games, and used an out-of-contest quote to accuse Bruce of "fighting with attacking Christian faith-based organizations." The commercial also accompanies a whisper campaign aimed at Barry's faith: Barry has accused Fox of pushing a phone banking campaign where callers informed voters that Barry allegedly is an atheist (Fox has denied any role in this).
This story has dominated the last few days and if it's having an effect on the race one way or another, this survey was in the field too early to capture it. But it looks like Thursday's contest will be one to watch.
9:02 AM PT: As PPP points out, the undecideds are mostly Democrats and African Americans, groups that should both come in strongly for Barry. However, in an off-year election like this, there's no telling if they'll turnout in the numbers she needs.