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Poll: Indictment Sends Stevens Spiraling Downards
Just in case there were any doubts that GOP Sen. Ted Stevens' indictment would damage his political fortunes back home in Alaska, here's some confirmation: The new Rasmussen poll has him trailing his Democratic opponent by a double-digit margin in this deep-red state.
The numbers: Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich 50%, Stevens 37%. The poll was conducted yesterday, the day after Stevens' federal indictment came down the pike. Ten days ago, Stevens was trailing by eight points, as a result of the corruption investigations going on against him -- and which the indictment has clearly made worse.
A Democratic win here would be a huge victory, as this state hasn't elected a Dem to Congress since 1974.
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It's reassuring to find that being indicted isn't good for one's reelection chances.
July 31, 2008 1:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
"A Democratic win here would be a huge victory, as this state hasn't elected a Dem to Congress since 1974."
So would that make Mark Begich the new Mike Gravel?
July 31, 2008 1:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
HA! Good ol' Grampa Mike! I can still see his mouth-breathing face staring at me for what seemed like an eternity.
July 31, 2008 1:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
[shiver]
July 31, 2008 1:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
She's MELTING! She's MELTING!!!
Ding dong the witch is dead, the witch is dead, the witch is dead.....
July 31, 2008 1:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
More interesting at this point would be a poll of the Republican primary. Given the number of challengers, and the fact that the best financed one just showed up in the state like 10 minutes ago, it seems likely Stevens will get the nomination more or less by default. If he then decides to step aside things could get interesting...
July 31, 2008 1:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm inclined to believe those who argue that the Stevens indictment will help the Republicans. The chances of a non-Stevens Republican candidate now seem better than ever. Mark Begich's chances of winning without having the corruption card to play seem kinda slim.
So I'm hoping against hope that Stevens stays in the race.
July 31, 2008 1:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
Apparently there is a new perk that Senators have which doesn't apply to us mere mortals. If a Senator is indicted on multiple felony charges, then he doesn't have to appear in a "perp walk" with handcuffs. Or maybe that perk only arises when there is a Republican Senator being charged by a Republican DOJ. Either way, this perk should spur GOP recruiting for future Senate races.
July 31, 2008 1:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
In this poll Democrat Mark Begich also defeats the two lesser know GOPers in the primary. So even if one of them manages to knock off Stevens Begich will be in a good position to win this race.
The money from DC should be flowing right now for Begich. This was already a top tier contest but with some solid resource investment could become almost a sure thing.
July 31, 2008 2:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
I just hope arrogant, angry Stevens would stay on to find till the end.
July 31, 2008 2:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
Indictment Sends Stevens Spiraling DOWNARDS?
At his age, it probably did affect his downards!
July 31, 2008 2:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
Time to take out the trash.
July 31, 2008 3:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
GOOD NEWS FOR REPUBLICANS!!!
July 31, 2008 3:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
Whoa. Hold on. Hottie Republican Governor Sarah Palin may run for Stevens' seat. See:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/31/us/politics/31alaska.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin
July 31, 2008 11:04 PM | Reply | Permalink