Republican Challengers Inch Up On Rendell [PA - Quinnipiac Poll]

Quinnipiac ^ | July 14, 2005 | Quinnipiac

[JohnnyZ]

Failure to provide property tax relief is shaping up as a potentially damaging issue for Gov. Ed Rendell, whose Republican challengers have gained some ground on the Democratic incumbent, the independent Quinnipiac (KWIN uh-pe-ack) University poll finds. Former Lt Gov. Bill Scranton has narrowed the gap from 15 points April 21 to 10 points today.

Pennsylvania voters give Gov. Ed Rendell a 47 - 39 percent approval rating, his lowest since a 46 - 33 percent approval in an April 22, 2004, Quinnipiac University poll. The Governor deserves to be reelected, voters say 46 - 41 percent, down from 48 - 38 percent last April 21.

The tax situation in Pennsylvania has gotten worse since Rendell became Governor, 47 percent of voters say, with 4 percent who say it got better and 44 percent who say it remained the same.

A total of 72 percent of Pennsylvania voters say Rendell bears "a lot" or "some" of the responsibility for the failing to reduce property taxes in the state.

Rendell still leads several possible Republican challengers: 47 - 37 percent over former Lt. Gov. Bill Scranton, compared to 49 - 34 percent April 21; 48 - 36 percent over former Pittsburgh Steeler Lynn Swann, unchanged from April 21; 51 - 28 percent over State Sen. Jeff Piccola, compared to 54 - 27 percent.

In a Republican primary for Governor, Swann leads with 32 percent, followed by 21 percent for Scranton and 6 percent for Piccola, with 36 percent undecided.

[JohnnyZ]

Looking good for Swann at this point. Only down 48-36 with only 40% name ID? When he's known statewide -- after the next year and a half of campaigning -- he'll have a real good shot at winning.

[Josh in PA]

I think that Quinnipiac poll is being nice to Rendell, re: 47% approval.

[cotton1706]

Good. Hopefully a Republican will win and replace Specter with someone decent should he retire due to health or become a spectre.

[threeleftsmakearight]

Rendell seriously believes he is a future president...yes, of the United States.

[HarleyLady27]

For some reason Philly and Pitts are the Blue in PA. the rest of us are Red and so lets all get behind a Republican and take up where Tom Ridge left off when he went to work for the President....We have to get rid of Rendell, he's a mess!!!!

[MassachusettsGOP]

Lets Go Swann.