Rasmussen (7/30, likely voters, 7/17 in parens):
Mark Begich (D): 50 (50)
Ted Stevens (R-inc): 37 (41)
(MoE: ±4.5%)
In a testament to Stevens' legacy in the state, 50% of voters still have a favorable opinion of the senator, and only 33% want him to resign. Still, his negatives, at 47%, are almost as high, and voters seem ready to turn the page.
So what would happen if Ted Stevens lost his primary? Rasmussen polls that scenario, too:
Mark Begich (D): 50
Dave Cuddy (R): 35
Mark Begich (D): 55
Vic Vickers (R): 22
Cuddy, a former state representative who spent a considerable sum of his own resources on a 1996 primary challenge of Ted Stevens, has more residual name recognition and would be a stronger opponent than Vickers (a recent transplant from Florida). It appears that he would not exactly be a formidable opponent for Begich in the general election, although a full 30% of voters have no opinion of him, possibly leaving Cuddy with some room for growth.
The crosstabs have some more interesting numbers, including 44% who say that Stevens' indictment makes them less likely to vote for GOP Rep. Don Young this fall. 41% say that it has no impact.
Also interesting, in the wake of "troopergate": Gov. Sarah Palin's approval rating is 64-36. Very high, but not quite as astronomical as it was in months past. |
