A new poll released today by Public Policy Polling gives Governor Dan Malloy an 8-point lead over Republican opponent Tom Foley. From the poll:
Public Policy Polling’s first Connecticut poll of 2014 finds Dan Malloy with an 8 point lead for reelection over Republican foe Tom Foley, 43/35. Independent Joe Visconti is polling at 9%. Visconti is largely drawing voters away from Foley–his supporters say their second choice would be Foley by a 46/27 spread.
In a head to head, Malloy’s advantage over Foley is 6 points at 45/39. Malloy’s had low approval numbers throughout most of his term and that hasn’t changed–only 40% of voters approve of the job he’s doing to 50% who disapprove. But Foley’s numbers are even worse with just 34% of voters holding a favorable opinion of him to 49% with an unfavorable one. The dislike of both candidates helps to explain why Visconti is getting such a high level of support. Malloy is actually winning more Republicans (17%) than Foley is Democrats (12%) which makes it very hard for a Republican to be successful in a state where Democrats have a substantial registration advantage.
“The race for Governor in Connecticut seems to be moving in Dan Malloy’s direction as the election nears,” said Dean Debnam, President of Public Policy Polling. “Malloy was trailing in polling earlier this year, but voters in the state really don’t care for Tom Foley.”
Democrats are headed for a sweep up and down the ballot in Connecticut this fall. George Jepsen leads 45/30 for Attorney General, Denise Merrill is up 42/33 for Secretary of State, Denise Nappier is up 45/37 for Treasurer, and Kevin Lembo leads 38/33 for Comptroller.
Full poll here.
And this is why Foley called for a truce at the recent debate and Malloy said NO. As soon as I heard that I knew Foley’s tracking polls are showing he is headed in the wrong direction.
The Red Sox /Yankee split was closer than I predicted.