Diane Benson, Rep. Don Young’s foe in 2006, just released a new poll (PDF) today showing the scandal-plagued incumbent trailing both Benson and former state House Minority Leader Ethan Berkowitz, who are vying for the Democratic nomination. Both Dems also lead Young’s Republican primary challenger, state Rep. Gabrielle LeDoux.
Craciun Research Group for Diane Benson (10/27-11/02):
Diane Benson (D): 45.3%
Don Young (R-inc): 36.7%
Undecided: 15.6%Ethan Berkowitz (D): 49.7%
Don Young (R-inc): 35.1%
Undecided: 13.8%Diane Benson (D): 45.0%
Gabrielle LeDoux (R): 12.3%
Undecided: 38.2%Ethan Berkowitz (D): 49.0%
Gabrielle LeDoux (R): 13.8%
Undecided: 32.9%
(MoE: ±4.9%)
If this poll is remotely accurate, Young is screwed. An earlier poll, conducted in August by Ivan Moore Research, showed Young trailing Berkowitz by nearly 6 points. The environment hasn’t exactly improved for young since then, so who knows.
The poll also shows a reasonably close primary race between Benson and Berkowitz, with former Alaska Democratic Party Chair Jake Metcalfe in third:
Ethan Berkowitz (D): 28.6%
Diane Benson (D): 21.1%
Jake Metcalfe (D): 8.3%
Undecided: 33.8%
(MoE: ±5.7%)
Interestingly, 6% of respondents volunteered the name of Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich, who appears set to challenge Sen. Ted Stevens (R) next year. Another Ivan Moore poll, released last month, showed Berkowitz leading Benson by a 26 point margin.
This is shaping up to be an explosive race.
PS: Check out Young’s new campaign website. Get a load of his slogan: “No One Has Done More, No One Will Do More.” Who does he think he is? Superman?