Sen. Mark Begich (D-AK) beats out Sarah Palin and every other declared or potential challenger in Alaska’s upcoming Senate race, according to a new poll.
The Public Policy Polling survey released Tuesday found Begich leading former Alaska Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Dan Sullivan (R) 41 percent to 37 percent. In a matchup against Alaska Lieutenant Gov. Mead Treadwell Begich leads 43 percent to 37 percent.
Interestingly, in a matchup against Sarah Palin, Begich leads by only 4 percentage points. The poll found Begich leading Palin 44 percent to 40 percent.
None of the third-party candidates included in the PPP poll came within spitting distance of the incumbent senator.
Begich’s approval-disapproval rating breaks about even. The poll found 43 percent of those surveyed approve of him while 44 percent disapprove.
The poll is welcome news for Begich since his seat has been perceived as an easy pickup for Republicans and outside conservative groups have set him as a target.
The PPP poll was conducted January 30 to February 1 among 850 Alaska voters.
