CT SEN: Shot Through The Hartford
Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT) continues to look vulnerable in '10 according to a poll released this a.m. by Quinnipiac University. The survey, conducted 3/26-31, shows Dodd with record-low approval ratings and trailing GOP candidates in three head-to-heads.
In SEN '10 matchups, ex-Rep. Rob Simmons (R) leads Dodd 50-34%, up from his 43-42% lead in the previous poll (conducted 3/3-8). Two lesser-known GOP candidates, state Sen. Sam Caligiuri (R) and businessman/ex-Amb. Thomas Foley (R), also lead Dodd 41-37% and 43-35%, respectively. In the early March survey, Dodd held a double-digit lead over Caligiuri.
These results likely say more about Dodd than they do about his challengers. With a record-low job rating (33% approval, 58% disapproval) and a favorable mark that has dropped 16% in three weeks, it's not surprising Dodd finds himself behind. Yet it's notable when a five-term incumbent trails rivals with name ID in the teens. Just 11% and 18% of CT RVs know of Caligiuri and Foley, respectively; Simmons, with a fav/unfav of 39%/12%, is better known than his fellow GOPers and better liked than his Dem opponent.
The Quinnipiac poll, conducted 3/26-31, surveyed 1,181 RVs and has margin of error +/- 2.9%.
(MATTHEW GOTTLIEB)
Sorry, but as for me this is not right