Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill continues to lead Republican Rep. Todd Akin, who seriously damaged his campaign in late August when he falsely stated that women’s bodies can prevent pregnancy in cases of “legitimate rape.”
McCaskill leads 46 percent to 40 percent, plus 9 percent for Libertarian candidate Jonathan Dine, in a survey released Wednesday by Democratic-leaning Public Policy Polling. In addition, McCaskill has an approval rating of only 44 percent, with 49 percent disapproval — but Akin is far worse off with a favorable rating of 33 percent, and an unfavorable rating of 55 percent. The survey of 700 likely voters was conducted Oct. 1-3, and has a 3.7 percent margin of error.
The pollster’s analysis cautioned that the race is still competitive, though, with Mitt Romney leading President Obama by a margin of 51 percent to 45 percent. In addition, 50 percent of voters would rather have Republicans control the Senate, compared to 42 percent who want the Democrats: “It’s possible as election day nears that more people who want the GOP in charge will suck it up and vote for Akin even though they don’t like him.”
The PollTracker Average shows McCaskill ahead, 47.4 percent to 40.1 percent.
