Ruh-roh. This poll was taken on the same day that some damaging phone conversations were aired in court -- probably not enough time for that piece of news to sink in. However, it does reflect a worrying trend.
I've been speculating that the DSCC's decision to launch attack ads against Stevens is having some perverse consequences in a state unfriendly to outsiders (especially Democratic ones). It's only a hunch, but just ask the Club For Growth how their moneynuke against Don Young ended up doing.
In short: I never underestimate the tendency of Republicans to rally around their own. After all, Stevens is still liked by a majority of voters: 54% have a favorable opinion of him, while 44% have an unfavorable opinion. Begich is still cleaner, at 59-36, but those top lines give me pause.
I believe that Ivan Moore should have a new poll of this race out in the next couple of days, so I'm looking forward to seeing what his numbers show.
