Today's edition of The Hotline notes a new poll:
A McLaughlin & Associates (R) poll; conducted 8/11-12 for the NRSC; surveyed 400 likely voters; margin of error +/- 4.9% (release, 8/19). Tested: Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D) and ex-Rep. John Thune (R).General Election Matchup:
Daschle 48% Fav/Unfav 59%/35%
Thune 45% Fav/Unfav 60%/28%
Undec. 7%
Given that Thune just started advertising a few weeks ago and hasn't made his case yet and given that most undecideds go to the challenger and given that Daschle took a beating in yesterday's debate, I'm guessing these numbers are giving Daschle heartburn. Imagine what would happen if Daschle actually practiced democracy and engaged Thune in all the debates that South Dakota organizations have requested and imagine if the dominant newspaper in the state, the Sioux Falls Argus Leader, actually published all the items that are reported nationally that aren't helpful to Daschle.
Comments