Home > Archives > Election Insider

PA Senate: New General Election Poll

April 15, 2010    Content provided by DDC Advocacy

Rasmussen Reports just released the results of their latest poll reflecting the closely watched Pennsylvania Senate race (4/12; 1,000 likely PA voters). A day after sharing their Democratic primary findings that showed challenger Joe Sestak (US Representative; PA-7) pulling to within two points of party-switching Sen. Arlen Specter (44-42%), GOP challenger Pat Toomey (former Congressman; PA-15) has opened up a ten-point lead over the five-term incumbent, 50-40%. When paired with Sestak, Toomey's margin climbs to eleven points, 47-36%. This is the Republican's strongest showing in any of Rasmussen's polls, and for the first time he reaches the 50% mark. Quinnipiac University released their March 30-April 5 poll conclusions (on April 8th) posting Toomey to a 46-41% lead. Healthcare seems to be the driver for this particular Rasmussen survey. While the sampled Democrats favor the new healthcare law by a 60-28% margin, the entire selected universe expressed decidedly negative feelings toward the reform effort. By a margin of 60-37%, the full sample favors repealing the new law. Of those wanting to eliminate the law, 84% back Toomey. The Pennsylvania primary is May 18th. The winner of the Democratic nomination then faces Mr. Toomey, the consensus Republican candidate, in the general election.