Fl-13: Feldman Group Poll For Christine Jennings (september 2008)

September 26, 2008 TO:

Jennings for Congress

FR:

Diane Feldman Jonathan Voss

RE:

Poll Results in Florida’s 13th Congressional District*

A new survey, fielded September 22nd and 23rd, shows incumbent Republican Congressman Vern Buchanan has only 44 percent support to 40 percent for Democratic challenger Christine Jennings in Florida’s 13th Congressional District. Sixteen (16) percent of voters are undecided. Jennings now is within the margin of error of Buchanan’s standing. The race was a photo finish two years ago. The recent wave of fresh allegations about Buchanan’s business dealings has soured voter’s attitudes towards Buchanan. Seventy-eight (78) percent of voters across the district have heard or read something recently about Buchanan recently, and of these voters a plurality (43 percent) report it made them less favorable towards him, while 23 percent say it made them more favorable. Only 39 percent feel Buchanan deserves re-election. Voters have apparently seen press reports of the recent lawsuits and the campaign’s advertising detailing allegations of financial fraud against Buchanan. The information has resonated with the electorate, while Buchanan’s message of honesty and independence apparently has not, despite his heavy advertising on broadcast television since late July. The current economic environment likely adds to voters concerns about allegations of Buchanan’s questionable business record. The more voters learn about his past, the less they support his congressional candidacy. This contest has become too close to call with atmospherics that favor Jennings. *Methodological Note: This poll of 400 likely 2008 general election voters in Florida’s 13th Congressional District was conducted September 22nd to September 23rd, 2008, by professional interviewers. The margin of error is +/- 4.9 percent.

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