West Virginia Senate: Raese (R) Eases Ahead of Manchin (D)

Rasmussen Reports ^ | September 28, 2010

[Clintonfatigued]

Republican John Raese has edged ahead of West Virginia’s popular Democratic Governor Joe Manchin for the first time in the state’s special U.S. Senate race.

A new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Likely West Virginia Voters finds Raese earning 48% support to Manchin’s 46% when leaners are included. Two percent (5%) prefer some other candidate, and four percent (4%) are undecided.

These findings move the contest from Solid Democratic to a Toss-Up in the Rasmussen Reports Election 2010 Senate Balance of Power rankings.

[paudio]

RCP has moved WV into a toss-up category, although they haven’t done it for CT.

[paudio]

I was wrong. They have moved CT into toss-up.

[randita]

ping

[Glenn]

There is no way Manchin loses this election.

[101voodoo]

His Admin is under investigation and it’s beginning to heat up.

http://westvirginia.watchdog.org/1969/gov-joe-manchins-dept-of-administration-division-of-highways-subpoenaed-in-federal-probe/

[101voodoo]

"There is no way Manchin loses this election"

LOL, sure and the Republicans were going to be totally out of power for 2 generatuins according to the "experts" after the 2008 election.

[Kay]

What is your reasoning?

[Glenn]

What is your reasoning?

WV is not a red state when push comes to shove.

Manchin has all the tools he needs to make sure push comes to shove.

[oprahstheantichrist]

"Manchin has all the tools he needs...."

IOW vote fraud.

[ScottinVA]

So Manchin is/was the “wildly” popular Governor of WV. I’ve also seen “very” and “extremely” used. Did he do something inparticular to fall off the popular band wagon?

Manchin is still popular, but WVA voters, according to this morning's RCP analysis, want him as GOVERNOR, not Senator. They want someone in the Senate to shackle 0bama.

This is specifically why Raese could take a unique angle to his campaign, e.g., "Gov. Manchin does outstanding work in Charleston. I urge voters to keep him there and bring me aboard in the Senate and together we will fight for West Virginia!"

[GonzoGOP]

It’s not a zero sum game. For every dime spent in Delaware is not one less dime spent in W. VA. The climate is good to win almost everywhere. I’m not throwing in the towel in Delaware, neither should you.

Also remember that the dems just had to dump another 200K into Delaware. And they are having to spend in New York to bail out Cuomotose and Gillibrand. The cost of one prime time add in the NYC market could pay for an entire campaign in West Virgina.

This year we have more resources than they do. On a narrow front they can mass their heavy hitters and cheat out the vote. Make them fight everywhere and they cannot be strong everywhere. The value of fighting for long shots in New York, Delaware and Washington is that it forces them to fight there too. Their best campaigner, BJ Clinton, is campaigning in Boston and the North East.

[WVKayaker]

It was announced Friday that the National Republican Senatorial Committee has bought $1.2 million worth of ad time in the state to support of Raese.

[stefanbatory]

THAT’S RAESE-IST!!!

[Uncledave]

If Raese is up, or even if it’s a dead heat, with five weeks to go and the trend in our favor — Manchin will lose. Everyone knows him and he can only lose votes, not gain any.

[sitetest]

Dear albie,

I've read that Mr. Raese is doing a little bit of political jujitsu. Apparently, playing on Mr. Manchin’s popularity, his campaign is serving up the message of, "We like Gov. Manchin so much, we hope that he stays governor."

Apparently, Mr. Raese is also a reasonably popular fellow in the state, so it's being sold as a two-fer. A vote for Mr. Raese means having both Mr. Raese AND Mr. Manchin serving the people of the state.

sitetest

[Titus Quinctius Cincinnatus]

There is no way Manchin loses this election.

That's why you and me are gonna go to WV and real-quick-like start a conservative third party to split the vote, and make SURE that Manchin wins it!

[Uncledave]

Did you ask 500 random likely voters like Rasmussen just did?

[ScottinVA]

WV is not a red state when push comes to shove.

Normally I'd agree with you, but this year a unique dynamic is unfolding.

West Virginians DESPISE 0bama and, despite the affinity for federal pork, they are a culturally conservative lot. They like Manchin, who reflects that cultural conservatism, as Governor and will look to keep him in Charleston. Most likely they'll send Raese to the Senate to do battle against 0bama.

They want this rogue regime stopped in short order and they know Raese -- in taking the seat immediately due to the special election -- will help put a stop to any lame-duck session shenanigans.

[Notary Sojac]

Actually, as a governor, he's about as good as any Dem will ever be. He's kept the state budget very well under control and has been reliably anti cap'n'tax.

Which is why I tell everyone, "Joe's been a good governor. Even as a conservative I have to admit that. Which is why I want to keep him doing that good job in the governor's office."

[ScottinVA]

he would take the seat immediately That would kill any lame duck session bills by the dems.

That's why WVa will keep Manchin in Charleston and send Raese to the Senate. Normally I'd say they'll send the dem to DC, but not this year. They want 0bama stopped in the worst way. They despise him.