Posted on 09/23/2006 8:37:46 AM PDT by nj26
In August, the Rasmussen Reports election poll showed Democratic candidate Bob Casey, Jr. leading Republican Senator Rick Santorum by just 48% to 40%. It was the closest the candidates had been all year and many wondered if it marked the beginning of a surge that would enable Santorum to draw even closer.
So far the answer is No. The latest Rasmussen Reports survey shows very similar results; with Casey leading 49% to 39%.
Green Party candidate Carl Romanelli continues to attract 5% support and it's unlikely his slice of the electorate will grow much larger.
The two major-party candidates recently debated for the first time, clashing over the war in Iraq, pay raises for politicians in Pennsylvania and DC, and abortion. Many independent observers say Casey, not exactly renowned as a speaker, surpassed low expectations and was at least on a par with the more fiery incumbent. Some argue that Casey won the debate.
Twenty-seven percent (27%) view Santorum "very favorably," 30% "very unfavorably." For Casey it's 19% very favorable, 18% very unfavorable; only 4% are still "unsure."
Voters here are more likely to trust the GOP on national security, more likely to trust the Democrats on the economy and taxes. On immigration, the split is 37% to 38%, with 25% unsure.
For a plurality of 28%, the top electoral issue is the economy. But national security (21%) and Iraq (18%) aren't far behind, and if they are considered as one issue then they are the top priority for 39%.
Don't write Rick off just yet.
We're working hard to get Santorum reelected.
Anyone who believes these polls is going to get a great shock on election day in PA. The numbers should be reversed.
I do not know one single person who is planning to vote for Casey's kid. He's a big nothing--a big no-show, and Pennsylvanians know it.
"Only Ohio Democrats vote in Pennsylvania."
Some New Jersey Democrats will probably be voting as well, after they are done voting in New Jersey. RAT Adage: Vote early and often!
I think McGreevey was known for bussing in voters from Philadelphia to vote in New Jersey. So it's reciprocal.
Don't worry. Santorum's a strong finisher. He cleaned Casey's clock in the MTP debate.
I'll vote for Santorum, but this is a rather liberal state and I think his past anti-gay comments and Terry Schiavo posturing have really made him too controversial.
Romanelli was thrown off the ballot today because he was 8,000 signatures short.
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