AK-Sen poll: Begich and Stevens deadlocked
by brownsox
Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 02:35:00 PM PDT
Rasmussen. 4/7. Likely voters. MoE 4.5%
Stevens (R) 46
Begich (D) 45
Since Begich's entry into the race, this has been considered a tossup, and this latest poll would seem to confirm that belief.
The more you look at these numbers, though, the darker things look for Ted Stevens, a man once considered politically invulnerable in Alaska.
Normally, a long-serving incumbent can count on unified support from his own party while picking up some support from the opposing party. However, Stevens is supported by just 71% of GOP voters while Begich attracts 78% of Democrats. Begich leads by 22 percentage points among unaffiliated voters.
Stevens is viewed favorably by 50% of the state’s voters while 47% have an unfavorable opinion. Begich earns favorable reviews from 56% while just 35% have an unfavorable opinion.
Among unaffiliated voters, Begich is viewed favorably by 66%, Stevens by 42%.
If Begich can maintain that kind of lead among independents, he'll be in an excellent position going forward.
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