Rasmussen (10/6, likely voters, 9/9 in parens):
Mark Begich (D): 48 (48)
Ted Stevens (R-inc): 49 (46)
(MoE: ±4.5%)
Ruh-roh. This poll was taken on the same day that some damaging phone conversations were aired in court — probably not enough time for that piece of news to sink in. However, it does reflect a worrying trend.
I’ve been speculating that the DSCC’s decision to launch attack ads against Stevens is having some perverse consequences in a state unfriendly to outsiders (especially Democratic ones). It’s only a hunch, but just ask the Club For Growth how their moneynuke against Don Young ended up doing.
In short: I never underestimate the tendency of Republicans to rally around their own. After all, Stevens is still liked by a majority of voters: 54% have a favorable opinion of him, while 44% have an unfavorable opinion. Begich is still cleaner, at 59-36, but those top lines give me pause.
I believe that Ivan Moore should have a new poll of this race out in the next couple of days, so I’m looking forward to seeing what his numbers show.
If Stevens is acquitted, he wins.
So really no polls are going to be indicative of his fate. We just need to wait for the verdict IMO.
What are the chances he’s found guilty on at least one count? I mean, those tapes are pretty damning. He admits he knows what the two of them are doing is wrong and if they are found out, they will spend time in prison.
What the fuck, Alaska?