Home > Political Insider > Archives > 2008 > October > 06 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USAnother poll: This one says the U.S. Senate contest is a 1-point race
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Democrats are buzzing over a poll commissioned by the liberal blog Daily Kos, which shows the U.S. Senate race in Georgia to be a hair tighter than it was last week.
The poll puts the Republican incumbent Saxby Chambliss at 45 percent, and Democrat Jim Martin at 44 percent, with 4 percent going to “other” and 7 percent undecided.
The poll was conducted 9/29-10/1, before the completion of Washington’s debate over the Wall Street bailout, and has a margin of error of plus-or-minus 4 percent.
“The big question with this rash of new, great-looking polls for Democrats is whether the trends are a temporary bounce in reaction the economic crisis, akin to a convention bounce, or whether it’s a longer-lasting trend,” the web site says.
However long the trend lasts, Democrats high and low are more than happy to see it. Over the weekend, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid was in Atlanta to inspect doings and, we assume, to do a little fund-raising for Martin. But it was not well-advertised.
The Daily Kos results echo a SurveyUSA poll, which last week had Chambliss leading Martin by two points, 46 to 44 percent.
As have other polls, the Daily Kos also shows a tightening presidential race, with Republican John McCain at 50 percent and Democrat Barack Obama at 43 percent.
But the poll is leavened with statistics that ought to concern both supporters of Martin and Obama.
For instance, the poll puts Chambliss’ favorable rating at 54 percent (unfavorable rating at 42). Martin’s favorable rating is 41 percent (unfavorable rating at 34 percent). Fifteen percent of those polled didn’t know enough about Martin to make a decision — a probable result of his limited finances.
In the presidential race, Georgia is still a racially polarized state. African-Americans support Obama, 91 to 5 percent. Whites support McCain, 73 to 21 percent.
Martin does better than Obama among whites, with 26 percent — but worse among black voters, with 83 percent.
One eye-opener: In the race for the youth vote, defined as 18 to 29, McCain edges out Obama, 47 to 46 percent.
Also today, 538.com run by Nate Silver, a self-identified Democrat, takes the voter registration numbers offered up on the Insider over the weekend, and crunches them a little more.
But Silver also says this:
A related question is whether the pollsters are underrepresenting the black vote in their turnout estimates in states like Georgia. I think they might be. In their past two surveys of Georgia, SurveyUSA pegged black voter turnout at 25-26 percent.
This is a pretty safe assumption, since it exactly matches the Secretary of State’s turnout estimate from 2004. But this isn’t 2004. I would be surprised if black turnout wasn’t at least 27-28 percent, and somewhere in the 29-31 percent range is entirely possible.
If those numbers are achieved, Georgia is pretty close to being a toss-up. And if it is a toss-up for Barack Obama, it is probably also a toss-up for Jim Martin, who is attempting to unseat Saxby Chambliss from the Senate.
• Full election coverage: News, photos and more
.JPG)
-1.JPG)
Services »
Comments
By independent
October 6, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
Alot of fiscal conservatives are fuming over chambliss vote for the bailout bill. Plus you add on the support of the immigration bill, the spending bills that has caused the national debt & deficit to reach record levels, etc, chambliss is very, very vulnerable to defeat next month.
By Rich
October 6, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
Given the headline here, it’s worth noting that the Survey USA poll (with a GOP lean) found the same result.
By Richard Baker
October 6, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
I have thought and voted Republican (as has my entire family) since I could vote. We are a military family, and it has always seemed to be in our best interest. But our Republican politicians have consistently let us down in recent years. They have not stepped up and solved any of the problems we need them to. For example, I was wounded in Iraq by a roadside bomb in 2006 and required 3 surgeries and 2 years of rehabilitation. After all that I am still being medically retired from the army as not fit for duty as an infantryman. I never received my Purple Heart even though I fit all the criteria. So I and my squad leader (who was injured in the same blast) enlisted the help of our local congressmen to help us. Congressman Tom Price’s office told me (in a letter) after 6 months of waiting that they could not help. My squad leader got his Purple Heart almost 2 months before I received the letter. When I called his office to ask why when our situations were the same, I was basically called a liar and talked to like I was a child. The bottom line is that the Republican attitude is condescending and impotent to help the average American. I am ashamed of those I have voted for.
By frank Mitchel
October 6, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
If yall dont want someone like Harry Reid in the Senate you better vote for Saxby. We see what Reid and Peolosi has done for the country.
By Aaron Burr V. Mexico
October 6, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this
Dear Mr. Baker,
Let me tell you about my name. I am a clown. Aaron Burr was one of the most scandelous and evil characters ever in American History. He killed a true revolutionary hero (Alexander Hamilton) and was nearly hung for it.
His political career over, he decided he was going to become ‘Emperor of Mexico’ but failed miserably and was called a traitor.
My name (which is why it is really ironic when Morph steals it) is a reminded of the childish stupid tactics the Republican party has descended to.
I too, grew up a Republican. I remember Ronald Reagan with fondness. But the Republican party of today are just..sad….sad pathetic fools who do not care about America, our veterans or anyone but their own party.
I am honored for your service, and I for one, thank you for it. It is because of you and more like you that I have the freedom to call Republicans the jackasses that they are.
By Aaron Burr V. Mexico
October 6, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this
News flash Frank.
Harry Reid will be in charge no matter what.
And I agree, Pelosi and Reid are spineless wimps, who didn’t have the guts to Impeach Bush and all his cronies.
Frankly frank, I don’t give a darn.
Knee slapper, huh?
So is the Republican party.
By Sherry
October 6, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
Saxby has been one of the biggest disappointments in recent years. We have water, gas, and economic catastrophes in Georgia and he has done nothing to help. I’m casting my vote for Jim Martin, even though I’m a Republican, because I can’t take much more of Saxby’s inaction.
By Foxhunter
October 6, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
“We see what Reid and Peolosi has done for the country.”
What, exactly, have they been able to do?? Republicans have controlled the House and Senate and/or the Oval Office for 12 of the last 14 years. Hell, the Dems have a majority now only by virtue of Lieberman (I), and we know which side he’s playing ball with.
Get over it. 8 years of Bush control = Epic Fail.
By Ex-Atlantan
October 6, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this
Forget it. Georgia voting machines are fixed. Saxby didn’t even win the FIRST time over Max C., you all saw how those polls got flipped on their heads, and there’s enough of a paper trail to show that something fishy went on with the machines. Shame on the press, including the AJC to let these CRIMES go uninvestigated. Saxby wins in November, whether more people vote for him or not. Georgia’s political system is completely rigged.
By Conservative Republican
October 6, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
Richard Baker
Just remember that Saxby Chambliss voted to cut spending on VA Hospitals in a time of war. Saxby is also a chicken hawk who got had a bad knee that kept him from serving his country but allowed him to continue his Basenall, Golf, and Jogging. Saxby is all about the fat cats.
By Jane
October 6, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this
A lot of conservatives will be voting liberterian in the Senate race as a protest vote this year. Please do a report on the run-off rules again.
By Jason
October 6, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this
Come on AJC, do something worthwhile for once and help Mr. Baker get a Purple Heart.
By Bob
October 6, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
I am a conservative, generally vote Republican, and I will be voting for Chambliss’ opponent because the bailout plan was a massive breach of the public trust, and cuts against all conservative principles…not just fiscal, but moral, as well.
By NorthGeorgiaMom
October 6, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
I have voted Republican since I first registered to vote. The last 3 elections I have justified my vote to myself as the lesser of 2 evils. This year I will be voting Democrat for the first time ever. The Republicans have sold us out. Sold out to foreign countries who want control over our immigration policies, who want lopsided trade agreements that bring in cheap goods but take our jobs out of the country (how many of you don’t know someone who has lost a job to exporting?)I personally think our place is not in Iraq, it’s time that country began to repay the American people, not only for the billions that have been spent there, but more than anything the American lives that have been lost liberating their country from tyranny and rebuilding their infrastructure while ours (New Orleans anyone?) has crumbled.
By Tom
October 6, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this
So you are going to take the Daily Kos poll atr face value? If that is illustrative of the editorial decisions of the AJC it is no wonder you are racing to go out of business.
The funny thing is with reporting like this you will not be missed.
By Mr. Numbers
October 6, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this
They polled more Democrats than Republicans again in this poll. These are not likely voter numbers.. The liberal media and particularly the AJC are advocating for the defeat of any conservative candidate. Saxby will win this thing. I predict 52%(R), 44%(D) and 2%(Other). Those number are more in line with the likely voters.
By redtop
October 6, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this
Congressman Tom Price probably would have bent over backwards to help this young man had he been representing some high roller or a corporation. I’m sick and tired of our politicians representing special interests and corporations. They could care less about their constituents…and its going to show come election time. I agree with Jason, the AJC should contact Mr. Price and get his comment for the record. Bet he will change his tune rather quickly!
By senoiadawgs
October 6, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this
My family who is conservative and typically votes republican will be voting libertarian in the upcoming Senate race. I have confirmed 8 votes that would typically go to Saxby that will be going libertarian.
I for one along with my family sent Saxby daily emails stating that if he voted for the bailout he would lose our votes. He didn’t listen and has now lost our votes.
Don’t you just love how the media reports things. The bailout plan failed in the house and the next day lost a trillion dollars. The bailout passes Thursday and Friday. The stock market loses almost a trillion dollars Thursday, Friday and Saturday. HMMMMM!!!!! The DEMOCRATS and Bush basically said let us pass it so you will not lose anymore money in your 401K. Thanks for passing this for us it really helped a lot. Remember with the market first fell last week that was the big issue as to how this was hitting main st.
Until the republican party or the democratic party returns to traditional values NONE of those representing those parties will be getting my vote. I actually agree with traditional democratic party values but those have not existed in America since before I was born.
By Mrs. Numbers
October 6, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this
This video says it all. Please look at this video and realize that all the polls and the media are being fueled by the likes of Daily Kos. I hope the AJC starts highlighting polls commissioned by conservative organizations.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUEQz5dltmI
By Aaron Burr V. Mexico
October 6, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this
I clicked a link and I liked it.
Except it wasn’t cherry chapstic it was….Nothing.
There is nothing there.
Just like the conservative polls Mrs. Numbers wants us to watch.
By SHS
October 6, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this
Please, please make sure your vote counts and vote for Jim Martin, instead of a 3rd party candidate. It would be a shame for Chambliss to be re-elected simply because votes that could have put Jim Martin in the winner’s circle went to a 3rd party candidate, instead.
By Foxhunter
October 6, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
Ummm….Mrs. Numbers, SurveyUSA is a ‘conservative’ leaning organization. It’s poll reflects the other in this article. Can’t see the forest or the trees, huh?
By senoiadawgs
October 6, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this
My family who is conservative and typically votes republican will be voting libertarian in the upcoming Senate race. I have confirmed 8 votes that would typically go to Saxby that will be going libertarian.
I for one along with my family sent Saxby daily emails stating that if he voted for the bailout he would lose our votes. He didn’t listen and has now lost our votes.
Don’t you just love how the media reports things. The bailout plan failed in the house and the next day lost a trillion dollars. The bailout passes Thursday and Friday. The stock market loses almost a trillion dollars Thursday, Friday and Saturday. HMMMMM!!!!! The DEMOCRATS and Bush basically said let us pass it so you will not lose anymore money in your 401K. Thanks for passing this for us it really helped a lot. Remember with the market first fell last week that was the big issue as to how this was hitting main st.
Until the republican party or the democratic party returns to traditional values NONE of those representing those parties will be getting my vote. I actually agree with traditional democratic party values but those have not existed in America since before I was born.
By Bobby
October 6, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this
I, too, cannot understand why a few vocal posters think that they can lay blame to the Democrats for the “Epic Fail” of the last eight years…their side barely has a majority in the Congress for only two years, and we need to face facts. The Republicans of this decade have betrayed their party and country. These old fat white guys are so out of touch with the global economy, immediate needs of middle class families and our world-class veterans coming home. They are so busy bending over backwards for big corporations that offer the nation no gaurantees on job creation or expansion in the US, that they forget who they truly serve. And I really question their ability to make sound decisions in a changing world. I honestly don’t see why we would reward Chambliss with another six years representing us. We work too hard and deserve better than his mediocre level of service.
By Bobby
October 6, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this
I, too, cannot understand why a few vocal posters think that they can lay blame to the Democrats for the “Epic Fail” of the last eight years…their side barely has a majority in the Congress for only two years, and we need to face facts. The Republicans of this decade have betrayed their party and country. These old fat white guys are so out of touch with the global economy, immediate needs of middle class families and our world-class veterans coming home. They are so busy bending over backwards for big corporations that offer the nation no gaurantees on job creation or expansion in the US, that they forget who they truly serve. And I really question their ability to make sound decisions in a changing world. I honestly don’t see why we would reward Chambliss with another six years representing us. We work too hard and deserve better than his mediocre level of service.
By Bobby
October 6, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this
I, too, cannot understand why a few vocal posters think that they can lay blame to the Democrats for the “Epic Fail” of the last eight years…their side barely has a majority in the Congress for only two years, and we need to face facts. The Republicans of this decade have betrayed their party and country. These old fat white guys are so out of touch with the global economy, immediate needs of middle class families and our world-class veterans coming home. They are so busy bending over backwards for big corporations that offer the nation no gaurantees on job creation or expansion in the US, that they forget who they truly serve. And I really question their ability to make sound decisions in a changing world. I honestly don’t see why we would reward Chambliss with another six years representing us. We work too hard and deserve better than his mediocre level of service.
By Jim
October 6, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this
As a life long Democrat, I will be voting for McCain and Palin. That video is why. I knew that the Democratic Party had moved to the left, but that little North Korean display by those kids is too far. Obama is a Neo-Marxist and must be stopped. My entire family is just like me and we will proudly cast our first Republican ballots this fall.
By Bill
October 6, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this
Senator Saxby Chambliss (R) voted for H.R. 1424 the Economic Stabilization Act 2008, which included $153.0B of earmarks and pork.
The bill was 109 pages when it was voted down in the House of Representative on Monday September 29, 2008.
The bill exceeded 434 pages when it was voted UP in the US Senate on Wednesday October 1, 2008. Senators Saxby Chambliss (R) and Johnny Isakson (R) of Georgia voted for these earmarks and pork.
It has been reported that not one Senator actually read the bill.
This bill includes pork and earmarks to include a ban on drilling inside 100nms of the US coastline and $193B for Rum importers from Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. In addition, there is an earmark for a childs wooden arrow maker and wool makers.
I will NOT vote for Saxby Chambliss for Senate.
I will vote for Jim Martin (D), Georgia facing Chambliss in the General Election.
By Aaron Burr V. Mexico
October 6, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this
Jim,
If a video of a bunch of hip hop idiotic youth is enough to change your mind about who to vote for, despite all other evidence to the contrary, your convictions weren’t really that deep to begin with, were they?
Communism is a stupid idea, but it was Tyranny that made the Soviet Union bad.
And the Republicans are Apostles of Tyranny and Deceit.
If this video changed your minds, then you are lying to us and to yourself.
If it was something else, why not just say that?
By Bill
October 6, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this
Senator Saxby Chambliss (R) voted for H.R. 1424 the Economic Stabilization Act 2008, which included $153.0B of earmarks and pork.
The bill was 109 pages when it was voted down in the House of Representative on Monday September 29, 2008.
The bill exceeded 434 pages when it was voted UP in the US Senate on Wednesday October 1, 2008. Senators Saxby Chambliss (R) and Johnny Isakson (R) of Georgia voted for these earmarks and pork.
It has been reported that not one Senator actually read the bill.
This bill includes pork and earmarks to include a ban on drilling inside 100nms of the US coastline and $193B for Rum importers from Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. In addition, there is an earmark for a childs wooden arrow maker and wool makers.
I will NOT vote for Saxby Chambliss for Senate.
I will vote for Jim Martin (D), Georgia facing Chambliss in the General Election.
By Bill
October 6, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this
Senator Saxby Chambliss (R) voted for H.R. 1424 the Economic Stabilization Act 2008, which included $153.0B of earmarks and pork.
The bill was 109 pages when it was voted down in the House of Representative on Monday September 29, 2008.
The bill exceeded 434 pages when it was voted UP in the US Senate on Wednesday October 1, 2008. Senators Saxby Chambliss (R) and Johnny Isakson (R) of Georgia voted for these earmarks and pork.
It has been reported that not one Senator actually read the bill.
This bill includes pork and earmarks to include a ban on drilling inside 100nms of the US coastline and $193B for Rum importers from Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. In addition, there is an earmark for a childs wooden arrow maker and wool makers.
I will NOT vote for Saxby Chambliss for Senate.
I will vote for Jim Martin (D), Georgia facing Chambliss in the General Election.
By James
October 6, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this
believe Martin has a good chance. Right is the perfect storm for Democrats the Republicans have messed over the past decade. So I’m voting for Jim Martin. Lets see if he can help GA be represented in the upcoming congress.
By Mrs. Numbers
October 6, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this
If this gets around all Obamaicans may have some trouble. This is what Obama will lead us to. Obama is a Neo-Marxist. All that Goose Stepping by those young men is just the start of it. Look at this video. I must be seen.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUEQz5dltmI
By Spell Check
October 6, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this
“I must be seen”
Yes, Mrs. Numbers, you must.
By James
October 6, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this
mrs. numbers do you even know what marxism is?
By Foxhunter
October 6, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this
“I must be seen”
Owwwww……teh stupid….it burns!!!!
Someone please get Mrs. Numbers off of the internets. If she gets around, there will be troubles for all of us!
Goose stepping. Is that the best you can do?
By Mrs. Numbers
October 6, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this
How about Obama is a domestic terrorist supporting, Fannie and Freddie frauding, Neo-Marxist , goose stepping, pinko commie lib? Is that better?
By Richard Baker
October 6, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this
I spoke with my squad leader who received the Purple Heart through his congressman. I wanted to check and make sure he was a democrat before I said anything inaccurate. It is Congressman Sanford (D.) in south Georgia. Again he told me to call back my congressman and let his office know they could call Congressman Sanford’s office to find out what they did to get his. I had to explain that Congressman Price’s assistant’s last words to me were condescending and were basically to let me know there was nothing further they could do for me. Experience is the best teacher. My own parents voted for this guy, and he (his office) is not willing to help me get some paperwork straightened out. We were wounded in the same ambush, but his democratic rep. took the time to help him. Now I have to wait for a dem to get in office or move in order to get what I bled for. The Army’s sloppy administrative work is at fault as well, but they never claimed to be there for us. We are there for them. Who are our congressmen there for? whoever has the money.
By Buzzwords
October 6, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this
Someone got their Republican Word of the Day Calendar.
Mrs. Numbers doesn’t add up.
By Foxhunter
October 6, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this
It’s not better, but I’ll take it. I’ll also take comfort that on Nov 4th our long national nightmare will be over.
And believe me, if the last 8 years under George Bush rule didn’t cause armageddon, I seriously doubt anything Obama does will be a threat to your livelihood and your ability to post Rush Limbaugh talking points. Get out and read a bit…there is more to the internet than just redstate and national review online.
By Mrs. Numbers
October 6, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUEQz5dltmI
By In the Beginning
October 6, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this
Foxhunter, Foxhunter, Foxhunter…..
Do you really think the nightmare will be over?
Does Freddy Crouger go away, or is he just waiting for the next sequel?
They will do everything in their power to destroy Obama or anything that involves helping people.
They will destroy America.
For all we know, they made that little video with the goose stepping Black folk. After all, if it was exposed as fake, who would the Base believe, the Liberal Media or their own emails that insist that it is true?
By Mrs. Numbers
October 6, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this
Liberal hack poll contracted by a liberal hack organization. They polled 15% more democrats than Republicans. By the way, the media will use this poll and others like it for their quadrennial “the election was stolen” argument. Do you guys ever get tired of being forgone conclusions? Obama is swine.
By Reality
October 6, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this
“Liberal” in this case being “Not Attila the Hun.”
The Party is All.
By gordon gecko rebuplican
October 6, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this
greed is good i’m a ground-pounder dropping bombs on the children of our so-called enemies, bush changed the World, to bad unlike his Oedipus he felt the need to act like a frat-boy and a evangelical douche-bag, it is sad to see you bitter-clingers hanging on to this flawed christian fool who sold his soul to the devil of hypocrisy