The Benenson Strategy Group for the DCCC (10/2-4, likely voters):
Eric Massa (D): 47
Randy Kuhl (R-inc): 42
(MoE: ±4.9%)
Amazingly, this is the first poll we’ve seen of this race all cycle, and it confirms that “Shotgun” Randy is in trouble. After a close race against Massa in 2006, it seems as if Kuhl’s heart just isn’t in the campaign this year. His fundraising has been sluggish, and he’s also shown very little interest in actually debating Massa, going so far as to say:
“At this point we haven’t agreed to any. We’ve taken the position that I’ve been real busy.”
While this is the most Republican district in New York (R+5), it’s an economically poor district that seems set to give Kuhl another volatile race this year. Watch out.
Nice way to put it. In other words, the excuse he’s chosen is that he’s too busy.
There are a number of races like this in SSP’s Leans Republican and Republican Favord columns that have so far received little attention from the DCCC. Perhaps this is a sign things are about to change.
He’ll have plenty of time after next January when he’s unemployed.
This race should now be uprated to Toss-up, no?