Some more encouraging news out of the Tar Heel State courtesy of High Point University’s latest poll:
The High Point University Poll finds that North Carolina’s top three election races continue to intensify with Hillary Clinton receiving support from 43 percent of likely voters and Donald Trump receiving support from 42 percent of likely voters. The percentages were calculated to include respondents who said they didn’t know exactly who they’d vote for, but were leaning one way or the other.
The other two top of the ballot races in North Carolina show Attorney General Roy Cooper with 50 percent support, compared to incumbent Gov. Pat McCrory’s 41 percent when taking into account leaning voters. Incumbent U.S. Senator Richard Burr has 45 percent support from likely voters, compared to 43 percent for challenger Deborah Ross when leaning voters are taken into account.
Libertarian candidates Gary Johnson, Sean Haugh and Lon Cecil receive support from 10, 4 and 3 percent in their races for president, U.S. Senate and North Carolina Governor, respectively.
The poll also finds that 48 percent of the likely voters in the survey approve of President Barack Obama’s job performance, while 48 percent disapprove. This can be compared to his job approval rating of 40 percent among likely voters during mid-October of 2014. McCrory received a 41 percent approval rating with 51 percent disapproval, and Burr received a 38 percent approval rating with 35 percent disapproval.
“These are all important races because they may determine which party has the most control in Washington, D.C. and who will shape policy in Raleigh,” says Dr. Martin Kifer, associate professor of political science and director of the HPU Poll. “As the general election campaign moves forward, we will look for more clues about why voters are showing these preferences.”
The poll also finds that barely more than one-fifth (21 percent) of the same respondents believe the country is headed in the right direction, versus more than two-thirds (70 percent) who see the country as being on the wrong track.
When voters were asked if they’d vote for the Republican or Democratic candidate within their congressional district, 46 percent of likely voters said they’d support the Democratic candidate, whereas 43 percent said they’d support the Republican candidate. This may be compared to mid-October 2014, when the Republican candidate received 48 percent of likely and actual voter support whereas the Democratic candidate received 43 percent.
“There is a good deal of voter uncertainty reflected in these current polling numbers,” says Brian McDonald, the associate director of the HPU Poll and adjunct professor. “We see a relatively large fraction of people who think the country is headed in the wrong direction, but President Obama’s approval rating is up. This situation gives us mixed messages about whether voters overall will be focusing on change or continuity when they cast their ballots.”
Lets keep up the momentum and win both of these races. Click below to donate and get involved with Cooper and Ross’ campaigns:
Roy Cooper
Deborah Ross