Posted on 06/30/2006 5:22:02 PM PDT by Clintonfatigued
Republicans have installed a new contender in the race for Governor here. Whether former state Republican Party chairman John Dendahl can fare better than ousted standard-bearer J.R. Damron, who had been uncontested in his nomination bid, remains to be seen. But Dendahl is regarded by insiders as the more formidable candidate.
So far, not so good for the GOP. The latest Rasmussen Reports election poll of the contest—conducted a little more than a week after the switch—shows Democratic Governor Bill Richardson leading Dendahl of 56% to 32%. Thirty percent (30%) of all GOP voters side with Richardson as well.
The governor is viewed favorably by 66% of all likely voters, Dendahl by 37%. Forty-one percent (41%) view Dendahl unfavorably and 23% don't know him well enough yet to give an opinion.
Another Democratic incumbent, U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman, is also gliding to reelection, currently leading GOP nominee Allen McCullough 59% to 33%.
(Excerpt) Read more at rasmussenreports.com ...
I didn't want to include the "Look safe" headline, but an Administrative Monitor said I had to use the exact headlines offered in the papers.
IMHO, the only problem that Dr. Allen McCulloch has is lack of name recognition. If he could post some name I.D., he would have a shot at unseating Jeff Bingaman. And he did win the GOP primary by larger than expected.
If you look at the poll results, the Jeff Bingaman/Allen McCulloch race is more competitive than the Florida Senate race, but it's getting far, far less press.
Sadly, our best shot for having knocked off Bingaman was with the late Colin McMillan in '94 (of course, had he won, and won reelection in '00, Richardson would've named a 'Rat replacement when he died recently).
As for Richardson, who is a repulsive, grandstanding, slimy piece of scum, I can't believe he has that high an approval rating (especially given all the neverending 'Rat scandals). Dendahl, however, may be a bit too controversial a candidate, and leans uncomfortably a bit too Libertarian (like Gary Johnson) on issues such as drugs (and you'll note he does have an unusually high disapproval rating, partly stemming from his tenure as GOP State Chairman). Of course, even with my reservations, if it's a choice between him and the Bill Clinton of Santa Fe, it's a no-brainer.
A few more politicians of Libertarian bent (personal responsibility combined with minding one's own business) would be a good thing.
That being said, I don't see Dendahl winning this year.
Clintonfatigued has correctly identified McCulloch's lack of name recognition as his biggest problem. Also, Bingaman really knows how to turn on the folksy charm and comes across as a genuinely likeable guy in person. I've met him and like him, but I cant stand his liberal politics.
Here's some more New Mexico news.
Here's some more New Mexico news.
we're not afraid of that slimeball richardson. if we can mccain him south carolina style, his numbers will drop in a flash. i don't know if he's got any army background, but if he does, let's get the swiftboat guys on him
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