Sandoval Leading NV GOV Race
Ex-fed judge Brian Sandoval (R) leads both the incumbent governor of his own party and the leading Dem candidate, according to a new survey. But if Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman runs as an independent, as he has threatened to do, Sandoval will find himself in a dogfight.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal survey, conducted 11/30-12/2, tested Sandoval, Gov. Jim Gibbons (R), North Las Vegas Mayor Michael Montandon (R), Clark Co. Commis. exec. Rory Reid (D) and Goodman. The Mason-Dixon survey polled 625 regular voters for a margin of error of +/- 4%, with a subsample of 300 GOP primary voters for a margin of error of +/- 6%.
GOP Primary Election Matchup Sandoval 39 Gibbons 18 Montandon 6General Election Matchups
Sandoval 49
Reid 34
Reid 48
Gibbons 34
Goodman 35
Sandoval 32
Reid 24
Goodman 38
Reid 25
Gibbons 25
Gibbons, buffeted by years of controversy that seemingly won't go away, has said he will run for re-election, but his prospects have never looked good.
The difference in Reid's support, when matched up against Sandoval instead of Gibbon, comes from independent voters -- and speaks volumes about Reid's political troubles. Reid and Gibbons are tied with 40% each, a stunning figure considering Gibbons is seen favorably by just 19% of NVans and is seen unfavorably by 50%.
Meanwhile, Sandoval has 47% support among independents, while 30% would back Reid. Sandoval even leads among Clark Co. voters, 45%-39%.
Most political observers in NV don't actually believe Goodman will run. He has flirted with a GOV bid before, but the attention-loving mayor -- who is escorted to public meetings and conferences by Las Vegas showgirls -- took a pass then, and is expected to say no again.