Allen West, Patrick Murphy congressional race: West has 9 point lead over Murphy in new poll

WPTV ^ | 10/19/2012 | Nora McAlvanah

[SeekAndFind]

Rep. Allen West (R-FL) is leading his Democratic challenger Patrick Murphy by nine points, according to a new FLDemocracy/WPTV/ TCPalm poll released Thursday.

Among likely voters surveyed, 51 percent support West and 42 percent back Murphy. Eight percent are undecided. The same poll, conducted by Public Policy Polling (PPP), found Mitt Romney leading President Barack Obama in District 18 by a 50 percent to 45 percent margin.

The battle for the 18 th congressional district, which includes Martin, St. Lucie and northern Palm Beach counties, is one of the closest watched races in the country. The race has been characterized by a flood of advertising--most of which is coming from West who has outspent his Democratic challenger by 4-1. In late September, West released a blistering attack ad featuring a mug shot of Murphy from a bar fight he got into when he was 19-years-old.

The Republican Party of Florida recently sent out a mailer embezzled with a photo of a burning American flag, accusing Murphy of being “backed by groups that are opposed to the defense of Israel.” Last week, West’s campaign put out a mailer of Murphy next to painting of Mao Zedong .

In a sign that West’s ads are paying off, Murphy’s favorability numbers are significantly underwater in the PPP survey. Only 34 percent of likely voters view Murphy favorably and 47 percent view him unfavorably. On the other hand, 49 percent of those polled have a favorable opinion of West, to 41 percent unfavorable.

“Negative advertising seems to have taken more of a toll on Patrick Murphy then on Allen West,” said Jim Williams, a polling analyst at Public Policy Polling.

[SeekAndFind]

Asked about the flood of negative ads in the race, 31 percent said the spots have made them more likely to vote for West, while 27 percent said they have made them more likely to back Murphy.

“West owes his overall 9-point lead to a 52-34 advantage among independent voters. He also earns more support from Republicans than Murphy does from Democrats,” said Williams.

[Bitsy]

woohoo! Go Allen, Go allen!

[Joe Brower]

Florida Freeper

[MEG33]

WOO HOO! GO WEST!

[JLAGRAYFOX]

Not only is West gonna whip Murphy big time, but....Murphy besides being a dead beat, Democrat low life, he is a drunk and an embarassment to all Irish-Americans!!! Wasserman Shultz and Murphy, one in the same!!! Low life Obamabots!!!

[Steely Tom]

The Republican Party of Florida recently sent out a mailer embezzled with a photo of a burning American flag, accusing Murphy of being “backed by groups that are opposed to the defense of Israel.” Last week, West’s campaign put out a mailer of Murphy next to painting of Mao Zedong .

Please tell me that this is a typo.

Please tell me the author did not think she was saying "emblazoned."

[fatnotlazy]

” Negative advertising seems to have taken more of a toll on Patrick Murphy then on Allen West,”...

***

The station needs a new editor. Then should be than.

Otherwise, this is good news. Col. West had been beaten up lately.

[doc11355]

The Republican Party of Florida recently sent out a mailer embezzled with a photo of a burning American flag, ...

Please tell me that this is a typo.

Please tell me the author did not think she was saying "emblazoned."

Shirley, you meant these as rhetorical questions, right?

And, no, I won't stop calling you Shirley.

[ken5050]

Dems are gonna get one low-life deadbeat, drunken embarassment back in the House..Alan Grayson..redistricting has made him a lock...West AND Grayson on the House floor together..

I think this is actually a good thing for Florida GOP..They strengthened surrounding districts, by putting most Dems into Grayson's new one..and an out-of control, run-amok Grayson..will be good for lots of fund raising ads..he'll be the poster boy for the Dems..

[Dr. Sivana]

And even after West wins and Obama loses, there are those who will say Obama lost because of his race.

[Tex-Con-Man]

West for House Speaker!

[stephenjohnbanker]

Good to hear.

[SeekAndFind]

RE: West for House Speaker!

How about West for either Homeland Security or Secretary of Defense?

[Fresh Wind]

Please tell me that this is a typo.

All that seems to matter any more is whether the word gets past the spell checker.

[MuttTheHoople]

he is a drunk and an embarassment to all Irish-Americans!!!

WHOA, TIGER! As an Irish-American whose been drunk a few times, I can tell you it's not always an embarrassment.

[Tex-Con-Man]

When it comes to repealing Obamacare, it's gonna take some powerful persuasion to get it through the House and Senate. Lt. Col. West has a “colorful” history when it comes to bringing someone along to his point of view. I want the “other side of the aisle” to be genuinely concerned for their personal safety when the Speaker comes asking for their vote.

[jmaroneps37]

But but but but HOW can THIS be? Why we've seen annoying and dishonest Emails up the wazoo telling us just the opposite!! When will Dick Morris finally give it a rest with this crap? If West was losing would he be in Colorado campaigning for Romney? PLEASE!

[JLAGRAYFOX]

Friend, I grew up in NYC and have tons of Irish lads & lassies as lifelong friends. Tons of drinking bouts, too....in Irish pubs!!! However, not one of them ever tryed to beat up on a cop. Shucks, half the NYC police and fire departments are made up of Irishmen!!! Shucks, I know the Irish folk songs better then many Irishmen!!! A decent Irishman a butt kissing Obama Democrat, No way!!! JFK, Yes, Obama. No!!! Sorry, friend....IMHO, Patrick Murphy is just a pure and simple Democrat, Dirt Bag!!!