New Poll Shows Rand Paul +11 In Kentucky

Doug Mataconis · · 5 comments

On the heels of a SurveyUSA poll that was criticized by many for what seemed like a sample that was overly biased toward Democrats, a new Rasmussen poll shows Rand Paul leading in the Kentucky race by double digits:

Republican Rand Paul continues to hold a double-digit lead over Democrat Jack Conway in Kentucky’s U.S. Senate race. The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Likely Voters in Kentucky shows Paul earning 49% support, while Conway picks up 38% of the vote. Five percent (5%) favor some other candidate in the race, and eight percent (8%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.) The race is still Solid GOP in the Rasmussen Reports Election 2010 Senate Balance of Power rankings. Three weeks ago, Paul held a 54% to 39% lead over Conway, Kentucky’s current attorney general. Eighty-two percent (82%) of Kentucky Republicans support Paul, as do nearly one-in-four Democrats (24%). Conway has the backing of just 67% of voters in his own party. Voters not affiliated with either of the major parties prefer Paul by nearly 20 points.

So, the race seems to be still in Paul’s to lose, but it’s not over yet. Here’s the upcoming debate schedule:

*Fox News, moderated by Chris Wallace. 9 a.m Oct. 3. *Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Covington, Oct. 11. *Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce, Oct. 14. *University of Louisville/WHAS, Oct. 17. *Kentucky Educational Television, Oct. 25.

Paul will either seal the deal, or give Conway an opening.

Update: Since it’s not directly accessible at the link, here is the partisan breakdown for the sample that Rasmussen uses in this poll:

Democratic: 46% Republican: 38% Independent: 16%

As with all polls, of course, this is based on self-identification from the poll respondent.