A new survey of registered voters in Arizona by Public Policy Polling finds that Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D), who has been in physical rehabilitation since she was shot in the head at a district event near Tucson in early January, would lead in the state’s open U.S. Senate race if she were able to run.
As TPMÂ has previously reported, Giffords had been viewed as a potential candidate before she was shot, and many state Democrats believe that she should have a right of first refusal for the race after incumbent Republican Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl announced his retirement in February.
This new poll gives Giffords a lead over the likely Republican nominee, Rep. Jeff Flake, of 48%-41%. The survey of registered voters has a ±3.9% margin of error.
The poll also tested other Democrats, finding former state Attorney General and unsuccessful 2010 gubernatorial nominee Terry Goddard tying Flake at 45%-45%, Flake leading Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon by 47%-33%, and Flake leading Rep. Ed Pastor by 46%-34%.
Not surprisingly, Giffords has a high favorable rating of 57%, with 17% of respondents saying they had an unfavorable view of her. Flake is a bit less known statewide with 29% favorable, 30% unfavorable, and a 41% plurality having no opinion.
