Hodes Looks Strong, Not Dominant

Published Feb 12 2009, 11:19 AM by David S. Bernstein

New PPP poll for NH's open 2010 Senate race shows Congressman Paul Hodes leading but within the margin of error against the biggest names (although not necessarily the best candidates) the GOP might offer: Charlie Bass and John Sununu. Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter -- who, unlike Hodes, has not declared herself a candidate -- leads both by even narrower margins.

The good news for Hodes is a fairly strong favorability rating, 42/34 with 24% no opinion -- the best of the four. That's hardly a knock-out, but it suggests a fairly easy route to 50%-plus-one of the vote, compared, for instance with Shea-Porter's 43/40. Sununu is so well-known that he'd have trouble improving on his 46/43, and Bass is underwater at 33/37.

I suspect that neither Bass nor Sununu will actually be the Republican nominee, and it will be interesting to see whether GOP primary voters hurt their chances by picking a too-conservative candidate. If they nominate a fairly moderate, safe pick, they can make the race a referendum on the Democratic Congress, without the downside of association with the conservative wing of the national party.

I suspect that the race to replace Hodes will also be fascinating, and there are lots of names already being bandied about.

A Fourth Running For The Third

So, What's My Deal?

1 Comments

North Piers said:

2nd CD could get interesting. Katrina Swett is well funded but has alot of Leiberman baggage and the message is old. NH attorney Michael Atkins who explored running 4 years ago is a fresh face, telegenic community guy who can raise money. Deb Pignateli often mentioned as well.

February 12, 2009 6:14 PM

Follow the Boston Phoenix

All Blogs

Laser Orgy (34)
Phlog (1,420)
On The Download (2,163)
Dont Quote Me (518)
Talking Politics (1,523)
Outside The Frame (305)

more by David S. Bernstein

The X factor | November 27, 2009

Ladies' man | November 20, 2009

Has Obama peaked? No, he hasn't | November 13, 2009

The Quiet Storm | November 06, 2009

Taking sides | October 30, 2009

See all articles by: David S. Bernstein

Latest Comments

The Guitar Hero/Band Hero kerfuffle considered - Christian Louboutin shoes are available at attractive rates in all outlets across the world. Turn your...

By Gucci Sneakers on 11-28-2009 in Laser Orgy

Khazei Sneaking Up? - Mrs. Kennedy, why wouldn't you prefer Congressman Capuano to succeed the late Senator? Congressman Capuano...

By Ernie Boch, III on 11-27-2009 in Talking Politics

City Council Forums - сын насилует маму всегда на это дрочу!! http://pxgmyzzcug.jimdo.com анорексия фото http://vmpfpxkwxl...

By Homogon on 11-27-2009 in Talking Politics

City Council Forums - <b>GPS оборудование </b> GPS - глобальная система позиционирования, определение местоположения...

By BimaIdedirm on 11-27-2009 in Talking Politics

Climategate: It's not going away. - Congratulations. Way better coverage than The Boston Globe or The New York Times.

By Randy Moss on 11-27-2009 in Laser Orgy

Latest Comments from Talking Politics

Hodes Looks Strong, Not Dominant

1 Comments

North Piers said:

Leave a Comment