This is probably an internal GOP poll, and it was taken right after Etheridge assaulted those kids, but the fact that he’s at only 38% is clear evidence that he is very, very vulnerable in 2010. Renée Ellmers is not a first-tier candidate, but she was cleraly the best of the bunch among those running in the NC-02 and I was hopeful since I first read about her a few months ago that she could pull of the upset; she still has a long way to go, but she’s got a real shot now.
I’ve spent the past 8 years or so telling people about how Democrat Representatives in districts like the NC-02 were potentially vulnerable due to the district’s presidential-voting patterns, only to have been proven wrong by a seemingly bipolar electorate that somehow believes that “their Democrat” isn’t at bad as “those national Democrats.” 2010 is looking like my vindication.
Bob Etheridge* (D) 199,730
Dan Mansell (R) 93,323
yitbos
This poll has the Libertarian in double digits. Someone suggested that could mean rat voters mad at Ethridge chose the Libertarian in the poll, and that their anger will abate.
The poll was commissioned by Civitas, a local conservative/business group, and conducted by SurveyUSA.
Ellmers could win, but she needs $ and one or two good staffers.