Rasmussen (6/11, likely voters, 5/7 in parens):
Jeff Merkley (D): 38 (42)
Gordon Smith (R-inc): 47 (45)
(MoE: ±4%)
With recent polls suggesting a big advantage for Barack Obama in the presidential race here, it’s no surprise that Smith is working overtime to present himself as a bipartisan consensus builder. Smith currently grabs the support of 22% of Obama voters.
Whether Jeff Merkley and the DSCC can successfully puncture Smith’s newfound moderate public profile remains to be seen, but Smith is in the under-50 danger zone and will have to fight hard for every inch given Obama’s commanding performance at the top of the ballot (46-38 in this poll).
This poll seems more like what one would expect the results to be at this point. Smith ahead, but not out of trouble. I do think the last poll having them in a MOE tie was Merkely getting a post primary bounce.
would do a world of good?
The DCCC even more so. Look at how advertising helped to turn around Dole’s numbers. We need to be pressing our advantages, not hoarding cash.
It still looks like Obama plans to spend significant time in the state, so that should help Jeff Merkley.
And, still, Smith has some of the lowest disapprove numbers in the nation for an incumbent (47). He’s irrevocably tied to Bush/McCain and their disastrous war and policies. Jeff’s being working hard to draw the connections and to show Oregon that his record of accomplishment (environmental protections, domestic partnerships, predatory lender crackdowns, help for working families) is what Oregon really needs in the Senate.
Jeff’s the most progressive guy running for Senate this year, and I believe he’ll be a fantastic Senator. I live here in Oregon, and we need him.
Give him a hand and help us oust Smith!