Ron Johnson is a conservative hero. He’s also one of Power Line’s “picks” in this year’s congressional elections.
Sen. Johnson has been trailing his opponent Russ Feingold throughout the campaign season. At times, Feingold led in the poll averages by about double digits.
No longer. Two new polls show Johnson behind by only 2 points (Marquette poll) and 3 points (CBS YouGov). A third poll (Loras) has Johnson leading by 5 points.
In another recent poll (Gravis), Feingold is way ahead (12 points), but this survey polled registered, as opposed to “likely” voters. I hope we can realistically consider it an outlier.
The Loras poll that has Johnson ahead also looks like an outlier. I would note, however, that the same survey has Clinton 8 points ahead of Trump. This suggests, at a minimum, a lack of bias in favor of the Republican candidates.
To help Sen. Johnson complete his comeback, you can contribute here.
Speaking of Trump in relation to the Senate races, it’s noteworthy (though not surprising) how poorly the choke artist is doing compared to Republican incumbents in swing states.
In Ohio, Sen. Portman is running away with his race, while Trump is basically even with Clinton. In Florida, Sen. Rubio is about 5 points ahead; Trump is about 3 points behind. (All numbers in this part of my post come from Real Clear Politics).
In New Hampshire, Sen. Ayotte has opened up a narrow lead (which may or may not survive Trump’s ongoing “groping” scandal). Trump, meanwhile, is trailing Clinton by about 7 points.
Similarly, in Pennsylvania, Sen. Toomey is tied with his opponent Kate “The Not So Great” McGinty. Trump is behind by almost double digits.
In North Carolina, Sen. Burr is about dead even in his race. Trump is a few points behind Clinton.
The aforementioned Wisconsin Senate race was one contest in which, for a long time, Trump seemed to faring better than the incumbent Republican Senator. But now, as Sen. Johnson pulls close to even, Trump is about 6 points behind.
A reader asked me to imagine what the Senate numbers would be if the GOP ticket were Rubio/Haley. I think the Senate numbers would be excellent for Republicans with any half a dozen real Republicans at the top of the ticket.
I believe the presidential numbers would also be good.
NOTE: I have modified this post slightly since originally putting it up.
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