Posted on 10/15/2022 2:12:04 PM PDT by BigEdLB
en after decades-high inflation, pandemic, and the overturning of Roe v. Wade, a new poll commissioned by CT Examiner suggests a close race for governor in Connecticut that mirrors the results four years ago between Democrat Ned Lamont and Republican Bob Stefanowski.
In a three-way contest, Gov. Ned Lamont leads Bob Stefanowski 46% to 40%, with 5% opting for Independent Party candidate Rob Hotaling, and 10% undecided according to the nonpartisan poll released on Saturday.
The CT Examiner/Fabrizio, Lee & Associates poll, conducted on Oct. 10-13, surveyed 1,200 likely voters and has a margin of error of +/- 2.8%.
The numbers suggest a significantly tighter race, and greater voter familiarity with Stefanowski, than an earlier poll by Quinnipiac University of 1,911 likely voters, taken on Sept. 15-19, which did not include Hotaling.
“Clearly, the economy is the thing that people care about and it’s the thing they’re noticing,” said Steven Moore, a professor of political science at Wesleyan University.
The CT Examiner/Fabrizio, Lee & Associates data shows that 24% of likely voters identify inflation as the most important issue in determining their choice for governor, followed by jobs/economy at 14% and abortion at 11%.
“Inflation and general pessimism about the state of the economy creates some real headwinds for Democrats, and that extends into a state like Connecticut,” said Wesleyan Prof. Logan Dancey.
Dancey told CT Examiner that the results for the governor’s race was about what he would have expected.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if Lamont outperforms what he did in 2018,” said Dancey.
Paul Herrson, a political scientist at the University of Connecticut, said Lamont’s lead over Stefanowski, if sustained, would actually be a “big victory” given the pandemic and the economy “not doing that well.”
“People’s lives have been massively disrupted, and if you are president, or the governor of [the] state, you’re the lightning rod for people’s displeasure,” said Herrson.
Onotse Omoyeni, press secretary for the Lamont campaign, said that the polling showed that Stefanowski’s positions on social issues was having a negative effect on the Republican’s popularity.
“The Governor remains laser-focused on working to grow Connecticut’s economy, providing relief for Connecticut families, and getting our fiscal house in order,” said Omoyeni in a statement to CT Examiner. “As has been clear throughout this race, Bob’s extreme anti-choice and anti-gun safety positions – coupled with his constant negativity – continue to turn voters against his candidacy.”
But Stefanowski said in a statement that the poll results were good news for his campaign, and reflected the increased support for his candidacy.
“This survey demonstrates the momentum I’ve been feeling on the ground for weeks. Governor Lamont has had four years to fix the state and he’s failed. Higher taxes are making inflation worse, people feel less safe, and our state economy is tanking,” Stefanowski told CT Examiner. “More people every day realize that one-party rule is failing us and it’s time for a change. Laura Devlin and I have detailed plans to make CT more affordable and safe on Day One and we are looking forward to the final weeks of this race.”
According to the new poll, President Joe Biden’s approve/disapprove among Connecticut likely voters mirrors national polling, at 43% approve to 53% disapprove, but Stefanowski was the choice of just 70% of those negative respondents.
The latest polls also suggest that few likely voters are splitting their ballots, at least on the state and national levels, with Sen. Richard Blumenthal leading challenger Leora Levy by a margin of just 5 points, 49% to 44% with 7% undecided – numbers that surprised Dancey.
“I would’ve expected a bigger lead for Blumenthal,” said Dancey.
I don’t think it is just the economy. I think it is the “Woke” insanity and people are using the economy as cover.
Crossing the Connecticut state line must be like walking into the CNN building. Blumenthal got caught lying about being a hero in Viet Nam when he never even went there. Then the idiots made him Senator and it wasn’t even close.
Hoping for one less homo in the senate
Been working on the Leora Levin campaign - for "Stolen Valor" Blumenthal to only lead by 5 points in a deep blue state is bloody amazing.
Get out and vote on November 7th!!!
No problem
Democrats will simply raise more dead voters than usual
All the best!
In CT even committed Republicans are reluctant to admit party affiliation or voter preference. It’s hopeful on my part, I admit but support for Republicans may be significantly understated.
Connecticut has been a tease for the GOP, just out of reach. If Levy wins, then it is evidence we actually do have a Republican tsunami in the making.
It’s probably way too much to ask, but if we have a tsunami, can it wash Schumer away as well?
I’m hoping Da Nang Dick gets kicked out.
It would be a GREAT NIGHT if CT can pull off an upset...Levy was endorsed by Trump. Stefanowski is not running a good campaign like he was in 2018. I would love to see the state senate flip...the state house won’t...
I’d love to see George Logan flip the 5th...If the R flip the governor and Senate, it will be a LONG NIGHT for the D. If the R comes close, it might still be a long night...
If has a SuperPAC and wants to take a chance on the Senate race, a series of ads blanketing the Connecticut airwaves using clips from this video could possibly make a difference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdKhPZDvNQk
If OZ wins in PA expect an absolute route of Dems up and down the ballot.. because for him to win, the election is simply a full on wholesale rejection of the D brand.
That’s the bell weather in my book.. if by far the worst And off brand R candidate ever to run for such a highly visible statewide race wins in PA wins, then it’s going to be a bloodbath for Dems, because the candidate doesn’t matter… a ham sandwich like OZ wins… R’s are going to win in all sorts of places no one is talking about.
3 weeks to go and we’ll will see, but that’s been my bell weather in where R’s just have a good night, or you see an absolute slaughter up and down ballot of the Dems.
OZ loses will still be a good night for the GOP but not nearly a tsunami.. he wins and folks no one is talking about will go red.
Fabrizio polls have a 2% bias - dont give up
You knew his opponent was in trouble when they had to bring in "Heels Up" Harris to have an abortion rally for her (Jahana Hayes, Marxist).
Like most rat pukes since fat head ted you can get away with murder and still have a successful career as a politician in the democratic party include pedophile crack head, adulterer, criminal, rapist, domestic abuser, check all applicable boxes
In the debate last night. After a slow start (nerves). Levy did great . Blumgenthal looked buffonish
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