Posted on 10/22/2002 7:15:25 AM PDT by BlackRazor
Poll: Fernald ‘within striking distance’
By Darek Fanton
dfanton@seacoastonline.com
PORTSMOUTH - Supporters of Mark Fernald’s campaign for governor may find a lot to like in the results of a survey conducted over the weekend.
The survey, conducted for the Fernald campaign by Bannon Communications Research, questioned a random sample of 400 expected voters statewide, asking both their opinions of Fernald and Republican candidate Craig Benson, as well as who they intended to vote for in the coming election.
"Mark is within striking distance," said Brad Bannon, consultant for the Fernald campaign.
Bannon reported that 43 percent of those surveyed said they would vote for Benson on Nov. 5, and 35 percent said they would cast their votes for Fernald, while three percent of those surveyed said they will vote for Libertarian candidate John Babiarz.
The Fernald campaign finds a bright spot in the 19 percent of voters who said they were still unsure who they will vote for next month.
"I feel strongly that Benson has bought all the support he can buy," said Khris Schultz, Fernald’s campaign manager. "We’ll remain competitive the whole way."
The survey also asked how those who participated felt about each of the candidates. In the case of Benson, 49 percent said they liked him, 24 percent said they disliked him, 16 percent had mixed feelings and 11 percent said they had no opinion. As for Fernald, 38 percent of those surveyed said they liked him, 18 percent said they disliked him, 13 percent had mixed feelings and 31 percent said they had no opinion of the candidate. The margin of error for the survey was plus-or-minus 5 percent.
Both Bannon and Schultz agreed that increased television appearances by Fernald will not only increase his exposure but also sway voters his way. Fernald supporters said Benson has been making television appearances since early in the year and that if voters still have not decided on him, they are not likely to do so.
Representatives for the Benson campaign were not available for comment by deadline for this story.
Partisan Dem poll warning! This is by the same organization that previously showed the race tied 40-40, when everyone else had Benson with a near 20-point lead. I give this poll zero credence.
If you want on or off my poll ping list, let me know!
Don't worry, George& the Misses, Dick and perhaps Colin will be up to give him a hand shortly...maybe George Sr. as well.
How's ole Jeb doing? Probably not talkin' about volunteering for the McGovern Campaign while men his age were serving overseas. When this is all over it'll be time to coordinate with Senator Boyce and mandate a minimum percentage of the vote be received before any candidate is a party nominee. Between Jeb and Charlie I kind of wonder why any Reagan-Republican bothers showing up.
Oh, really? I guess you missed that whole primary thing, defeating an incumbent?
And if he's had everything handed to him, why is his fundraising so poor?
Yeah, Reagan would have really shown that Bush family up. He hated them so bad he might have even made one vice-president.
You'll note how little he did for Ford in 1976, though he did do a great deal for specific Republican candidates.
As for Reagan-Republicans showing up in New Hampshire, my comment had nothing to do with the Bush family, and everything to do with Jeb Bradley and Charlie Bass: New Hampshire's GOP Draft-Dodging Ticket. What a disgrace to send two men like that to be put into a position to send better men into combat.
Now, as for fundraising, I honestly believe the GOP was not prepared for the close shave here. At this point he is no doubt having dollars funneled in by the GOP machine, and rightly so.
My guess is that there will be a GOP sweep and for the first time in ages not one member of NH's congressional delegation will have been man enough to have served in the uniform of their country: what a shame.
Not a chance. NH has been considered one of the Dems' best pick-up opportunities for months and months. Polls showed a close race between Shaheen & Sununu and between Shaheen & Smith.
Yes, and the same was said about both congressional districts. Between Smith and Sununu, the Republicans have raised plenty of money. More folks will be up to help them raise more...Hagel has been trolling around lately.
Personally, I am sending money to conservatives who can speak with experience regarding the military and national defense. http://www.klineforcongress.org/ for example.
No matter how things pan out, NH Hamshire will not send a single member to the next congress with balls enough to sacrifice and serve in uniform: ain't that a shame Coop?
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