(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Steve Beshear could become the next governor of Kentucky, according to the latest poll by SurveyUSA. 59 per cent of respondents would vote for the Democratic challenger in this year’s election, while 39 per cent would support Republican incumbent Ernie Fletcher.
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Steve Beshear could become the next governor of Kentucky, according to the latest poll by SurveyUSA. 59 per cent of respondents would vote for the Democratic challenger in this year’s election, while 39 per cent would support Republican incumbent Ernie Fletcher.
An early November survey by Rasmussen Reports gave Beshear a 15-point lead over Fletcher.
Fletcher was elected in November 2003, defeating Democrat Ben Chandler with 55 per cent of the vote. Fletcher took over in December 2003 from Paul E. Patton, who was ineligible for a third term. Fletcher became the first Republican governor in the Bluegrass State since 1971.
Beshear served as Kentucky’s lieutenant governor from 1984 to 1988, and as the state’s attorney general from 1980 to 1984.
In August 2005, Fletcher issued pardons to nine current or former members of his administration who were indicted in an investigation into purported illegal hiring practices. A special grand jury had indicted the nine persons on 48 misdemeanour and 22 felony charges. State prosecutors alleged that the Fletcher administration illegally placed the governor’s supporters in civil service positions.
In May 2006, Fletcher was indicted on three misdemeanour counts over allegations that he violated state legislation that requires hiring rank-and-file state workers solely on the basis of their qualifications. In August, the patronage charges were dismissed after Fletcher acknowledged responsibility and agreed to a deal which called for the resignations of four of the governor’s appointees to the state Personnel Board.
On May 22, Fletcher won the Republican gubernatorial primary with 50.1 per cent of the vote. Beshear emerged victorious in the Democratic contest with 40.9 per cent of the vote.
The election will take place today.
Polling Data
Election 2007 – Kentucky Governor
Incumbent: Ernie Fletcher (R)
Challenger: Steve Beshear (D)
|
Fletcher (R) |
Beshear (D) |
Date |
Methodology |
MofE |
|
|
SurveyUSA |
39% | 54% | Nov. 2-4 | Phone, 552 LV | 4.2 |
| Rasmussen Reports | 39% | 54% | Nov. 1 | Phone, 500 LV | 4.5 |
| SurveyUSA | 36% | 60% | Oct. 27-29 | Phone, 562 LV | 4.1 |
| Louisville Courier-Journal | 33% | 56% | Oct. 26-29 | Phone, 710 LV | 3.7 |
| Research 2000 | 40% | 55% | Oct. 22-24 | Phone, 600 LV | 4.0 |
|
Louisville Courier-Journal |
39% | 56% | Sept. 10-13 | Phone, 600 LV | 4.0 |
|
SurveyUSA |
39% |
58% |
Sept. 8-10 |
Phone, 533 LV |
4.3 |
|
SurveyUSA |
37% |
58% |
Aug. 4-6 |
Phone, 613 LV |
4.0 |
|
SurveyUSA |
36% |
59% |
Jul. 14-16 |
Phone, 560 LV |
4.2 |
|
Rasmussen Reports |
35% |
51% |
May 24-25 |
Phone, 500 LV |
4.5 |
|
SurveyUSA |
34% |
62% |
May 23-24 |
Phone, 609 LV |
3.9 |
LV: Likely voters RV: Registered voters Ad: Adults MofE: Margin of error
