Ivan Moore Research (8/9-12, likely voters, 7/18-22 in parens):
Ethan Berkowitz (D): 51 (52)
Don Young (R-inc.): 41 (37)
Don Wright (I): 4 (7)Ethan Berkowitz (D): 42 (40)
Sean Parnell (R): 46 (43)
Don Wright (I): 3 (5)
(MoE: ±4.4%)
Just minor noise since July. Let’s check in with the primaries:
Ethan Berkowitz (D): 58 (54)
Diane Benson (D): 24 (25)
Don Wright (D?): 3 (5)
(MoE: ?)Don Young (R-inc.): 46 (46)
Sean Parnell (R): 40 (38)
Gabrielle LeDoux (R): 7 (6)
(MoE: ?)
Young continues to hang on by his fingernails, but will this GOP roach be able to survive the Club For Growth’s moneynuke? Let’s hope so, but it could be a tall order. On the bright side for Team Blue, Alaskans are continuing to wake up to headlines and stories like this one calling Gov. Sarah Palin’s ethics (and therefore Lt. Gov. Parnell’s raison d’être) into question.
On the Senate side of the equation, Begich posts another solid lead (7/30-31 in parens):
Mark Begich (D): 56 (56)
Ted Stevens (R-inc): 39 (35)
(MoE: ±4.4%)
Stevens continues to pummel his D-grade primary challengers by a 63-20-7 margin (Stevens-Cuddy-Vickers).
Let’s hope Young can survive. Palin, as you noted James, has been getting pounded back home, and people are starting to turn against her.
One question I have: does anyone know if Don Young is on the air yet? I sure hope so. My fear is that he is so arrogant, he may be saving his money for the general.
I’m even feeling good about our chances against Parnell.
I’m almost positive that Club for Growth’s support of Parnell will hurt him. There was a recent story covering Parnell’s “flip-flop” on earmarks
(see http://newsminer.com/news/2008… ). As people have commented before, Alaskans rely heavily on federal money. And I think we are all familiar with the Club’s views towards pork. It is my belief that Parnell is allowing a Trojan Horse into his campaign by using the Club for Growth to win the primary. I’m not sure what the consequences might be but I really see one of two outcomes. First scenario, Parnell will have to sever his Club for Growth ties after the primary (if he wins). Second, is that his stance on federal money in Alaska will hurt him with enough Alaskans to swing the election Ethan’s way.
Anybody disagree?
I mean wow, these are fantastic numbers for Begich and Berkowitz. I am also glad to be seeing Don Young leading Sean Parnell again. If this keeps up, Young will defeat Parnell and get trounced by Berkowitz come November. All I can say is, Go Begich and Go Berkowitz.
I hope Uncle Ted provides some down ballot love for Young and drags him over the finish line.
Oh and fingers crossed for no more indictments till September.
Begich is going to be taking on Stevens, I have no question about that one – and he’ll win.
As for Berkowitz, I can only hope that Young holds on, but if he does not, it’ll still be a good battle against Parnell. Obama has a shot at McCain as well, and I hope he makes his way up to Alaska for a visit.