Paul Leads Among Youth, Whites, Women, and Independents

By: Elias J. Atienza

Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) is leading his opponent Lexington Mayor Jim Gray (D-KY), in a new poll released by WKU Social Science Research Center (SSRC). The libertarian-leaning incumbent wins 55 percent of voters, while Gray only has 39 percent.

The Big Red Poll, as SSRC calls it, was conducted from October 25 to October 30.

Paul has a huge lead among men, with 64 percent supporting against 32 percent supporting Gray. He also has a slight lead among women, with 48 percent saying they are supporting him, while 44 percent support the Democrat. In addition, the former Republican presidential candidate also leads among independents, with 57 percent supporting Paul, while only 34 percent support Gray.

Millennials in Kentucky also overwhelmingly support the Republican, with 57 percent supporting him and only 32 percent supporting Gray. In addition, Paul shows great crossover appeal, as he wins 30 percent of Democrats, and ties Gray with moderate voters at 49 percent.

Gray does lead among non-white voters, with 65 percent saying they are supporting him, while only 35 percent support Paul. However, the Senator does better among non-white voters than Trump does in the same poll, with only 29 percent of non-white voters supporting the Republican presidential nominee.

Trump leads Clinton 54 percent to 37 percent in Kentucky.

A poll released yesterday by RunSwitch Public Relations shows similar numbers, with the tally at 52 percent to 42 percent in favor of the incumbent.

The race has been a rather contentious one. During a debate last night, Gray accused Paul of having “wild-ass philosophies.” Paul responded with a Facebook post that has over 9,000 likes.

In addition, each has released ads critical of one another, with Gray attacking his opponent for his opposition to the USA PATRIOT Act, and the Republican incumbent hitting Gray on his support for Clinton.

According to the Kentucky State Board of Elections, there are more registered Democratic voters than Republican voters. The Democrats hold the State House, while the Republicans hold the State Senate.