Braun Research for cn|2 (7/26-27, likely voters, no trend lines):
Ben Chandler (D-inc): 46
Andy Barr (R): 32
Undecided: 21
(MoE: ±4.4%)
This is the second poll we've seen of the race between Democrat Ben Chandler and Lexington attorney Andy Barr. Back in June, the Barr campaign released their own poll conducted by the Tarrance Group showing Chandler in the lead by 45-38. For their part, Chandler's campaign isn't releasing any of their own polling, but told Roll Call that they had a "strong double-digit lead" in June.
The warning sign for Chandler here is his standing under the 50% line given the fact that it's unlikely that the name "Andy Barr" is seared into the memory of many area residents. Chandler has a real race on his hands, but he should be able to retain his advantage if he stays on his toes. One telling statistic is that voters side with Chandler over Barr on the issue of government spending by a 45-41 margin -- that's not the greatest spread, but certainly an indication of some residual trust that Chandler's built up in a fairly conservative district.
