Poll: Specter Leads Sestak 51%-32% In 2010 Dem Primary
A new Rasmussen poll of Pennsylvania finds Sen. Arlen Specter with a lead over Rep. Joe Sestak in the 2010 Democratic primary -- but it does seem a bit surprising that Specter's lead isn't even bigger, given his built-in advantages of incumbency and high name recognition.
The numbers: Specter 51%, Sestak 32%.
Both candidates have solid favorable ratings. Specter is at 72% favorable, including 35% very favorable, to 26% total unfavorable. Sestak is at 57% total favorable, with 18% very favorable, to 21% total unfavorable.
Specter has been in the Senate for almost 30 years, and has the full support of the Democratic establishment from President Obama on down, in the wake of his recent party switch (which, as we all know, was triggered by a Republican primary challenger). But there clearly is a genuine base of anti-Specter Democrats willing to support Sestak, so this could be an interesting primary.
Josh
Matt
Eric
Brian
Interesting, indeed. The old predator/prey analogy comes to mind.
June 17, 2009 5:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
I believe in reformation.
As long as he has made a clean break with his past anti-worker philosophy, I think he should be rewarded for abandoning his former life.
I will need to know how he actually votes on EFCA in order to take a position.
But if he votes the wrong way, I'm sending Sestak some money.
June 17, 2009 6:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think this reflects Sestak's lack of name recognition. Not many outside of the Philadelphia region ever heard of him. He has a good resume' which should serve him well on the campaign trail.
June 17, 2009 7:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
Indeed. Not to mention the fact that Sestak hasn't even begun to campaign, nor has he spent any money gaining name recognition. I did receive a fundraising letter announcing Joe's intent to run because I'd contributed to his campaign in 2006 even though I live in a neighboring district.
Sestak's the man we need. Out with the [opportunistic] old, in with the new.
PEACE
June 18, 2009 12:17 AM | Reply | Permalink
Spencer's Mom, (Helen Hunt?)
I too live in a neighboring county and I too sent Stesak some money when he ran against long serving Repub. Curt Weldon.
Beating Weldon, who represented a highly Republican district, showed he can knock off a long time incumbent.
June 18, 2009 11:43 AM | Reply | Permalink
Make that "Sestak"
Don't mind me, I'm the King of the Tpoys.
June 18, 2009 11:45 AM | Reply | Permalink
I find it sad that Specter has a favorable rating like that.
Magic bullet has a long history of being a tool.
~
June 17, 2009 7:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
I wonder if Specter will remember which party he belongs to when the primary season arrives....
June 17, 2009 8:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
Other read than main post, given the data, is that obviously it might *not* be a very interesting primary.
June 17, 2009 8:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm with JohnW1141 onthis. It is pretty early in the game for this, although it is fun. 22% of these 'likely' Dem voters had no opinion of Sestak in the favorable rating, even though the question allows for 'slightly' either way. This means he is not well known. The total sample, btw was 374 people.
Recall, also, that Sestak is from the Philly suburbs where he can challenge Specter without leaving home.
This is also nearly the only part of the state- Philly proper, not the burbs- with a working precinct / ward organized Dem party.
Sestak is a work horse, Specter is an old horse. Wild Card: By spring it will be clear that the normally irrelevant primary is the real game - no Republican will beat the Dem in the fall. Turnout, as always, folks, it is not how people vote, it's which people vote - turnout is the key.
June 17, 2009 9:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
Screw Specter and screw Rasmussen.
June 18, 2009 8:56 AM | Reply | Permalink
Sestak will be one of the most dilignet Senators in Pennsylvania history. arlen "magic Bullet Theory" spector was bashing Democrats the whole time he was chairman of Judiciary. I heard him walk all over Ted Kennedy when he wanted to have a debate and magic bullet said, "we have the votes and there will be no more discussion. Now he is a democrat because he would lose the repub nomination. don't fall for this opportunist. Retire him and elect Sestak. Listen to Sestak give one speech, any speech and you will see what I mean. bush called Arlen a "firm ally" when he appears in this ad with Rick Sanatorium.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2q7hei3T3E
June 20, 2009 3:59 AM | Reply | Permalink
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-OMmkiqfi0&feature=related
Here is the real Arlen "Magic Bullet" Spector. this is how he started his career and he has been a bully ever since. Don't trust this man. Vote for Sestak
June 20, 2009 4:18 AM | Reply | Permalink