A new survey by Public Policy Polling (D) finds that Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) — the social conservative champion whose career became mired in the 2007 D.C. Madam prostitution scandal — could potentially be vulnerable in 2010, but is currently leading a likely Democratic opponent.
The numbers: Only 44% of respondents approve of his job performance, to 36% disapproval. Furthermore, only 38% say he deserves another term, against 47% who it’s time to give someone else a chance.
At the same time, Vitter get 44% support against potential Democratic candidate Charlie Melancon, a socially conservative Democratic Congressman, who gets 32%. Melancon lacks name recognition, though, with only 26% favorable, 32% unfavorable, and 42% not sure.
From the pollster’s analysis: “David Vitter’s polling in the mid-40s is a very similar position to where Mary Landrieu was a couple years ago at this time,” said Dean Debnam, President of Public Policy Polling. “Republicans were never able to translate that into a serious challenge, so it will be interesting to see if Democrats are better able to capitalize on Vitter’s vulnerability.”
Late Update: This post mistakenly listed a wrong number for Charlie Melancon’s showing against Vitter. It has been corrected.
