Democratic Senators Evan Bayh (IN) and Harry Reid (NV) could be in trouble according to recent polls on RealClearPolitics.com. The recent election of Scott Brown to the senate has struck fear in the heart of many democrats. That fear may be justified.
Bad news for Bayh?
A Rasmussen poll from January 25th of possible 2010 senate battles show Bayh edging out former republican Congressman John Hostettler by only 3 points. This is Evan Bayh, the fiscally conservative blue-dog democrat who struts triumphantly into Draconika and slays Republican dragons in landslide elections. Bayh won his 2004 campaign by 25 points after leading by more than 30 points in the polls.
Even worse for Bayh is the part showing Republican Congressman Mike Pence beating Bayh by 3 points. Pence, who is considering a run at Bayh’s seat this fall, may have momentum on his side for now.
In addition, the poll addressed voter impression about various potential candidates and Pence also beat Bayh in 29% - 23% in the “Very Favorable” category. Bayh lead the “Unfavorable” categories with 38% compared to 25% for Pence. The most telling stat was the 20% who were undecided about Pence compared to only 4% for Bayh, suggesting that Pence still has plenty of room to mold potential voters’ perceptions of him.
Dirty Harry
Harry Reid, the senate minority leader, may also be in deep trouble. A poll by the very liberal Daily Kos shows Reid trailing two potential opponents by 6 and 9 points. In 2004 Reid won by 26% points.
The Bottom Line
Americans are angry. The independents and moderate republican voters who put Obama in office having buyer’s remorse. Consider these other polls:
- Generic Congressional Ballot– Republicans win by 2.5%.
- Congressional Job Approval – 66% disapprove.
- 56.8% of Americans believe the country is headed in the wrong direction.
- Obama’s approval numbers are at 49%.
- Between 55% and 58% of Americans oppose Obamacare.
If the democrats try to really understand the problem maybe they can turn things around. The more likely option is that they will treat America like a foreclosed house – tear out all the piping, rip off the doors and kick holes in the walls – all to make sure the next guy has a harder time.
Enjoy the article? For more local and national political news wrapped neatly in a ribbon of informed opinion, click the “subscribe” button near the top of the page.
Comments