Kentucky's next governor could foreshadow Bush's future (and latest polls)

[goobergunch]

By FORREST BERKSHIRE
Washington has played an increasingly prominent role in the Kentucky governor's race, and the state Democratic Party is looking for the Bluegrass state to become the first hole in what they perceive as a vulnerable national Republican Party.

Whether it is the three million jobs lost nationwide or the 67,000 lost in the state, Democratic nominee Ben Chandler and his party have accused Congressman Ernie Fletcher and other Republicans of failed policies that have hurt Kentuckians.

"We're not running against (President) Bush," said Mark Riddle, executive director of the Kentucky Democratic Party. "We're running against an administration in Washington that's been a miserable failure. We're running against Ernie Fletcher and the Republican Party."

Riddle said he looks for Kentucky to influence the presidential election in 2004, and politicians and party leaders from both sides are watching this governor's race.

more...http://www.newsenterpriseonline.com/articles/2003/09/09/news/news3.txt

The latest poll on this race is Survey USA's poll of CERTAIN VOTERS:

Chandler (D) 45%   Fletcher (R) 45%  Other 7%   Undecided 3%   Conducted 9/6-9/8  MoE 3.8%

However, polls of "Certain Voters" are notorious for skewing towards Repukes. The poll also dealt with LIKELY VOTERS:

Chandler (D) 46%   Fletcher (R) 43%  Other 7%  Undecided 3%  Conducted 9/6-9/8  MoE 3.8%

http://www.surveyusa.com/2003_Elections/KY030908GovTrack.pdf

Chandler is definitely gaining on Fletcher. I thought this race clearly leaned towards Fletcher, but it looks like the * economy is pulling him down. CALL: TOSS-UP

[rucky]

1. Does This Mean the DNC...

...has finally decided to start doing their job again?

[liberalnurse]

2. When is the election?

,

[NewJerseyDem]

3. November 4, 2003

Mississippi and Kentucky have the gubernatorial elections that day while Lousiana's election is on October 4th and the runoff is on November 15th. I believe that Viriginia and New Jersey will be holding legislative elections on November 4th as well.

[jiacinto]

6. Actually

I thought LA had its primary coincide with its general election on the same day in November. I though the Supreme Court required that.

[goobergunch]

9. Only in congressional years...

the governor's race is an off year.

[jiacinto]

10. Ok

I like LA's open primary system, though.

[bandy]

4. It so bothers me that

each race is neck-and-neck and soooooo verrrrrrry convenient for the counts on BBV.

[liberalnurse]

5. Yes, I have a lump in my throat.....

I don't know if they will wait to put the fix in during the 04 election or go for it now.... I just don't feel good about elections anymore....

[jiacinto]

7. I heard somewhere thet Survey USA's polls are

questionable.

[jiacinto]

8. I looked inside the poll

It says that independents are going 41-32 for Fletcher, and that Chandler only has 68% of Democrats with him. Fletcher has 79% Republicans. Chandler is going to need to bring out the base more and erase Fletcher's lead among independents.