A new survey of Georgia voters by Public Policy Polling says U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss can make it to a 2014 general election, he would be hard to beat – but would be “theoretically very vulnerable” in a Republican primary.
See the poll details here. From the press release:
Only 38% of Republican primary voters say they want Chambliss to be their nominee next year, compared to 43% who would prefer someone more conservative. But Chambliss stomps most of the people who’ve shown the most interest in taking him on.
He leads Congressman Paul Broun by a 57/14 margin in a head to head, has a 52/34 advantage over Congressman Tom Price, and leads former Secretary of State Karen Handel 52/23.
In terms of the general election the Georgia Senate race is somewhat reminiscent of the Indiana contest this cycle- if Chambliss is the nominee the seat is probably safe for the GOP, but if someone far to his right wins the primary the Democrats might have a chance
if everything goes their way.The only Democrat who comes particularly close to Chambliss is 2002 foe Max Cleland, who despite being quite popular with a 50/27 favorability rating, only musters a tie at 45. Chambliss leads former Governor Roy Barnes 48-40, Congressman John Barrow 50-37, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed 52-37, and State Senator Jason Carter 52-34.
If Chambliss was taken out in the primary, it’s likely the Republicans would end up with a nominee who doesn’t have that going for them. We tested Tom Price against all the Democrats as well and he would trail Cleland 47-39 and Barnes 46-40 while leading Barrow only 40-38, Reed 43-38, and Carter 42-36. It could have the potential to be a race if Chambliss does get primaried.
There’s no indication, by the way that former U.S. senator Max Cleland — whom Chambliss defeated in 2002 — would consider a return to politics.
- By Jim Galloway, Political Insider
For instant updates, follow me on Twitter, or connect with me on Facebook.
Recent topics:
Your daily jolt: Isakson defends GOP counteroffer, says fiscal cliff leap would be ‘stupid’
Sam Nunn and 20 years of nuke control
Your daily jolt: How Paul Broun and Tom Price might figure in Saxby Chambliss’ future
Saxby Chambliss: ‘I don’t want to be dictated to by anybody in Washington’
A QA with Speaker David Ralston on ‘personhood,’ immigration, a new Georgia Dome and hospitals
Leave a reply to New PPP survey: Saxby Chambliss ‘vulnerable,’ but leads potential GOP opponents