Republicans continue to stumble and bumble in their quest to retake the Senate as a Republican poll has found that Democrat Michelle Nunn leads the US Senate race in Georgia 45%-43%.
The WRBL poll was conducted by a Republican strategist and revealed that Nunn leads Republican David Perdue 45%-43% with 7% supporting Libertarian Amanda Swafford. This is the second straight poll that has shown Nunn leading. Ten days ago, the Landmark/WSB-TV poll had Nunn leading Perdue 47%-40%, with Swafford at 3%.
The fact that a poll conducted by a Republican strategist revealed that the Republican candidate is trailing is especially bad news for the GOP’s hopes of retaking the Senate in November. Mitch McConnell has struggled mightily with a campaign that at times seems like it is trying to lose, but Kentucky might not be the Democrats best chance at a pickup that will help them keep their Senate majority.
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McConnell has several advantages in Kentucky that may keep him in office, but those advantages (incumbency, a Republican electorate, and money to burn) don’t all exist for Republican in Georgia. Democrats have the better candidate running in a red state that is increasingly moving towards purple status.
The Kentucky Senate race is getting most of the national attention, but Democrats should keep their eyes on Georgia. Michelle Nunn has the smoother path to victory in Georgia. Grimes could beat McConnell, but if she doesn’t, Democrats have a backup plan in the Peach State.
A Democratic victory in Kentucky or Georgia would make it a near certainty that Democrats will keep their Senate majority. If Senate Democrats can weather the storm in 2014, they will have a favorable map for picking up Senate seats in 2016 and beyond. If Republicans don’t win the majority in the Senate this year, they may not win it for years to come.
If Democrats can win the Senate race, it will be more than another sign that Georgia is shifting. A Democratic win could keep the Senate under their control for several more election cycles. Nothing less than the future direction of the country could be riding on the outcome of the Senate election in Georgia.
Jason is the managing editor. He is also a White House Press Pool and a Congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. His graduate work focused on public policy, with a specialization in social reform movements.
Awards and Professional Memberships
Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and The American Political Science Association
