(From the diaries – promoted by James L.)
New GOP internal poll in WI-08, h/t Politico, from Public Opinion Strategies (7/8-7/9, likely voters):
Steve Kagen (D-inc): 46
John Gard (R): 42
(N=400, MoE=±4.9%)
There’s reason for concern in this district; Gard’s a former Wisconsin Assembly Speaker and very narrowly outraised Kagen last quarter. The poll also shows Gard with very high name recognition (88%). McCain leads Obama in the district 46-41.
Kagen, however, has plenty of cash on hand and personal wealth he can dig into if necessary.
SSP currently rates this race as Leans Democratic.
But a spend by the DCCC and/or an Obama campaign stop might not be a bad idea.
This district is going to be big in dems trying to back the assembly, but I queston how large the Obama presence will be.
Right now McCain is dipping his feet in the water in the state seeing how competitive he can make it and I don’t think he’s gonna like what he sees. I expect a comftorable 8-9 point win for Obama.
Unlike other House races Gard already has near universal name recognition and he’s behind in his own internal poll.
This guy is well-disliked within this district, disliked in Appleton, and isn’t even well-liked in turf he should be carrying handily (Brown+Marinette Counties, including Green Bay). If he couldn’t win in ’06, he’ll never be able to win. We just gotta hope that Mark Green doesn’t come back from Africa sometime in the future to decide to run for congress (I believe this is why WI Democrats, like Feingold, were pushing for his appointment of ambassador).