Issue #91

by Art Kelly

1. Florida Governor Charlie Crist, who has recently switched from Republican to independent to run for Senate, may become the de facto Democratic candidate.

The Washington Examiner’s David Freddoso writes that President Obama and liberal leaders could give Congressman Kendrick Meek, the official Democratic candidate, only token support, while making it clear that Crist is actually their man.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) called Crist last week to wish him well.

Meanwhile, in a before and after comparison, the Examiner found that Crist has removed the word “conservative” from his campaign website.

While running for the Republican nomination against Marco Rubio, Crist claimed to be a conservative. Now that he is an independent with likely Democratic support, he has changed his website.

2. Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter, who switched from the Republican to the Democratic Party, may lose the May 18 Democratic Primary to Congressman Joe Sestak.

The latest Rasmussen Reports shows that Sestak has taken the lead 47% to 42%. The Franklin and Marshall College Poll shows Sestak ahead 38% to 36%. The Muhlenberg College Poll calls it a tie, 45%-45%. The Quinnipiac University Poll shows a lead for Specter 44% to 42% but said the race was “too close to call.”

Both NARAL Pro Choice America and National Organization for Women (NOW) have endorsed Sestak.

If Sestak wins, it could be bad news for conservatives. While Rasmussen shows Republican Pat Toomey easily beating Specter in the general election, 50% to 38%, Toomey has only a two-point lead over Sestak, 42%-40%.

3. Only 41% of Alaska voters would support Sarah Palin for President, according to a new Rasmussen poll.

She is viewed favorably by 49% of the people and unfavorably by 50%. Of those having strong views, 31% have a very favorable impression of her, while 37% have a very unfavorable impression, resulting in a minus six rating.

Palin resigned as Governor halfway through her first term. “Unhappiness with that decision may explain in part her declining support in the traditionally Republican state,” Rasmussen Reports stated.

Her resignation has been personally beneficial for her, as she has gone on to become a best-selling author, media personality, and popular professional speaker.

As a follow-up to Palin’s hugely successful Going Rogue, the Washington Examiner reports that she will have a new book, America By Heart: Reflections on Family, Faith, and Flag, will be released on November 23.

Meanwhile back in Alaska, Palin’s successor, GOP Governor Sean Parnell, holds an overwhelming lead, 58% to 30%, over his likely Democratic opponent, former state House Minority Leader Ethan Berkowitz, as measured by the latest Rasmussen poll.

4. Other new state polls from Rasmussen Reports:

Massachusetts Governor
Gov. Deval Patrick (D) 45%
Charlie Baker (R) 31%
Tim Cahill (I) 14%
Undecided 10%

Indiana Senate
Dan Coats (R) 51%
Brad Ellsworth (D) 36%
Other candidates 6%
Undecided 8%

Ohio Senate
Lee Fisher (D) 43%
Rob Portman (R) 42%
Other candidates 4%
Undecided 11%

Ohio Governor
John Kasich (R) 46%
Gov. Ted Strickland (D) 45%
Other candidates 3%
Undecided 6%

Connecticut Governor
Ned Lamont (D) 42%
Thomas Foley (R) 35%
Other candidates 11%
Undecided 13%

Connecticut Senate
Richard Blumenthal (D) 52%
Linda McMahon (R) 39%
Other candidates 6%
Undecided 4%

North Carolina Senate
Sen. Richard Burr (R) 48%
Elaine Marshall (D) 40%
Other candidates 3%
Undecided 9%

In these 7 races, plus those in Pennsylvania and Alaska, Republicans lead in 5, Democrats in 4.