The new CNN/Time poll of the West Virginia Senate race shows a tie in the contest to succeed the late Democratic Sen. Robert Byrd. Furthermore, the race could potentially be spoiled — though who knows how — by a left-wing third party with a very rural-friendly name.
The poll has Democratic Gov. Joe Manchin and Republican businessman John Raese tied at 44% each, plus 5% for Jesse Johnson with the “Mountain Party,” the state affiliate of the Green Party. The survey of likely voters has a ±3.5% margin of error. There is no prior CNN/Time poll of this race for direct comparison.
The TPM Poll Average gives Raese a lead of 48.4%-45.4%.
