McKenna opens 9-point lead on Inslee in governor's race (WA ping)

The Seattle Times ^ | February 14, 2012 | Jim Brunner

[Clintonfatigued]

Continuing an early trend in Washington's 2012 governor's race, a new Elway poll finds Republican Attorney General Rob McKenna with a 9-point lead over Democratic Congressman Jay Inslee.

The poll, conducted last week, found 45 percent of respondents would "definitely" or "probably" vote for McKenna, compared with 36 percent for Inslee.

Pollster Stuart Elway notes one "ominous" sign for Inslee in the poll data: the proportion of voters with a negative impression of him (22 percent) is nearly equal to those with a positive impression (28 percent).

By contrast, McKenna has a 3 to 1 ratio of positive to negative impression among voters surveyed.

[AuH2ORepublican]

I would love for that to happen, but WA isn’t NH. In NH, voters are always a $2 fee away from going back to rock-ribbed Republicanism, and legislative districts are politically marginal enough to allow for humongous swings from one party to the other.

WA, on the other hand, hasn’t elected a Republican governor since 1980, and I believe has enough Dem-leaning legislative districts to make a NH 2010-style wipeout impossible. Fortunately, the GOP doesn’t need a tsunami to gain control in WA; McKenna just needs 50% (net of King County fraud), not 60%, of the vote, and the GOP only needs to pick up 3 Senate seats (24 seats are up, 13 of which are held by Dems) and 8 House seats (all 98 seats are up, including all 56 Dem-held seats).

[Mr Rogers]

“Good point...but some facts can help also.”

Hmmm...something I didn’t NEED to be taught: there is nothing natural about sticking your penis in a man’s butt.

I really don’t see why we still outlaw polygamy if we are going to call weird and perverted sex “marriage”.

[fwdude]

Good luck. The nation’s prayers be with you.

[LibertarianLiz]

I saw an interview with Inslee on Q13 news a week or two ago. I came away with the impression that Inslee is hot to duplicate Obama’s “green” energy policies at the state level. Everything he talked about has already been a costly mistake at the federal level, but he wants to do this in Washington State. Doofus.

[ExCTCitizen]

The poll, conducted last week, found 45 percent of respondents would "definitely" or "probably" vote for McKenna, compared with 36 percent for Inslee.

Was the poll done before Washington passed the 'Queer Marriage' law? If so, it might be higher for Mckenna!!

[BobL]

“Hmmm...something I didn’t NEED to be taught: there is nothing natural about sticking your penis in a man’s butt.”

Same here...but there are plenty of people that can go either way. The whole point of the church is to steer them in the correct way.

[Impy]

Inslee is quitting Congress to focus on the race. It appears the special election to fill the lame duck, rat-leaning, House seat will be held in November side by side with the races for the new swing 1st district (which is really more the current second district) and safe rat 2nd district. Amusing, side by side specials and generals in November happen all the time (sometimes there are even different winners) but I don’t recall redistricting ever being a factor.

[Baynative]

"But I’ve heard many comments from young people that suggest the homo marriage vote is not a big deal to them and they wonder why it is controversial at all. Very disheartening to those of us who grew up in an era when morality was taught."

Why do think democrats have raised the idea of lowering the voting age to 14?

[Baynative]

WA Ping

UPDATE

Washington Dead Heat
By Governor's Journal

A new poll from Public Policy Polling shows the race for governor of Washington tied at 42% each between the expected nominees; Attorney General Rob McKenna(R) and Congressman Jay Inslee(D).

It’s a dramatic change from recent polling that showed McKenna with a comfortable lead.

The same poll also shows most of those surveyed favor upholding the recently passed gay marriage law in Washington state. It’s expected to go to referendum in the fall.

NOTE: Since earlier polls showing McKenna with a 9 point lead, Inslee has been raising money for the Washington race by holding big money fundraisers in New York and Hollywood. The New York event was hosted by disgraced Attorney General, client #9 Elliot Spitzer .

[Eva]

Thanks for the ping Bay. Winning the governor’s race is of the utmost importance.

It should be noted that Inslee came out in opposition to the coal terminal in Whatcom County, a reversal from the Gregoire policy. I believe that is what made the difference in his support.

[tallyhoe]

PPP is a democratic polling outfit!