SENATE ELECTIONS
Among voters in each state
MINNESOTA
(Gravis) Sen. Tina Smith (D) over Jason Lewis (R): +14 (53-39)
(Civiqs) Sen. Tina Smith (D) over Jason Lewis (R): +11 (54-43)
RON’S COMMENT: Last week, a KSTP poll showed this race tightening to a 1-point lead for Smith. But these two polls show Smith with substantial leads. The Gravis poll is the most recent (Oct. 24-26). The Civiqs poll was taken Oct. 17-20 and the KSTP poll was taken Oct. 16-20. Handicappers rate the race safe or likely Democratic.
MISSISSIPPI (Civiqs)
Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R) over Mike Espy (D): +8 (52-44)
RON’S COMMENT: Though GOP incumbent Hyde-Smith is widely seen as the clear favorite, Democrats have viewed this race as a potential sleeper. Wishful thinking or not, Dems say a giant turnout could put Espy over the top. Handicappers aren’t biting; they rate the race safe or likely Republican.
NORTH CAROLINA (Reuters)
Cal Cunningham (D) over Sen. Thom Tillis (R): +1 (48-47)
COMMENT: Democrat Cal Cunningham was running first until a recent sexting scandal nearly brought him down. Though the scandal damaged his credibility, it didn’t sink his candidacy, at least not so far. Cunningham’s candidacy is still afloat and could sail to victory. Losing this seat would be a gut-punch to Democrats.
MICHIGAN
(WaPo/ABC) Sen. Gary Peters (D) over John James (R): +6 (52-46)
(Detroit News) Sen. Gary Peters (D) over John James (R): +9 (48-39)
RON’S COMMENT: Democrat Peters continues to run first. He has an average lead of 7.3 points based on the last four polls.
MAINE (Colby College)
Sara Gideon (D) over Sen. Susan Collins (R): +4 (47-43)
COMMENT: Democrat Gideon also has an average lead of 4 points based on the last four polls. |
