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Poll Finds Specter Down 21 Points to Toomey
By Bulletin Staff Report
In a sign of voter discontent within Pennsylvania's Republican Party, a poll released today shows 30-year incumbent U.S. Senato r Arlen Specter trailing one of his primary challengers by 21 points. The senate primary election will be held in May, 2010.
The Rasmussen Reports survey found that former Congressman Pat Toomey would win 51% of the GOP vote, while Mr. Specter garnered only 30%.
Mr. Toomey's favorable ratings are 66% to Specter's 42%. The rivals' negatives are 19% and 55%, respectively.
In 2004, Mr. Toomey almost knocked off the powerful incumbent, losing by just two points. A critical factor in that election was the solid support Mr. Specter received from President Bush and then-Senator Rick Santorum. Without such backing this time, and given the significant number of moderate Republicans who defected from the party last year, Mr. Specter faces an uphill battle in his quest for a sixth term.
As one of only three Republicans who broke party ranks to support President Obama's $787 billion stimulus plan, Mr. Specter's vote on the massive spending plan angered many conservatives and was a major factor in Mr. Toomey's decision to run. The poll found that 58% of Pennsylvania Republicans said they were less likely to vote for Specter because of his support for the stimulus package.
The survey also revealed that while Mr. Specter leads Toomey by eight points among moderate Republicans, he is at a distinct disadvantage in attracting conservative Republican support.
The Rasmussen Reports survey found that former Congressman Pat Toomey would win 51% of the GOP vote, while Mr. Specter garnered only 30%.
Mr. Toomey's favorable ratings are 66% to Specter's 42%. The rivals' negatives are 19% and 55%, respectively.
In 2004, Mr. Toomey almost knocked off the powerful incumbent, losing by just two points. A critical factor in that election was the solid support Mr. Specter received from President Bush and then-Senator Rick Santorum. Without such backing this time, and given the significant number of moderate Republicans who defected from the party last year, Mr. Specter faces an uphill battle in his quest for a sixth term.
As one of only three Republicans who broke party ranks to support President Obama's $787 billion stimulus plan, Mr. Specter's vote on the massive spending plan angered many conservatives and was a major factor in Mr. Toomey's decision to run. The poll found that 58% of Pennsylvania Republicans said they were less likely to vote for Specter because of his support for the stimulus package.
The survey also revealed that while Mr. Specter leads Toomey by eight points among moderate Republicans, he is at a distinct disadvantage in attracting conservative Republican support.
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