The new survey of the Nevada Senate race by Public Policy Polling (D) shows Democratic Majority Leader Harry Reid leading his Republican opponent, former state Rep. Sharron Angle, by two points. The poll also demonstrates how vigorous attacks against Angle’s right-wing positions have helped Reid — and the importance of good turnout to any potential Reid victory this fall.
The numbers: Reid 48%, Angle 46%. The survey of registered voters has a ±3.9% margin of error. There is no prior PPP survey matching Reid against Angle for direct comparison. The TPM Poll Average shows Reid edging Angle by 44.0%-43.1%. He’d previously trailed for most of the year, before there was extensive coverage of Angle’s various right-wing statements, such as her discussion of “Second Amendment remedies” as a check on Congress.
The poll shows that Reid’s approval rating remains low at 44%, with 53% disapproval. However, Angle’s favorable and unfavorable ratings are even worse, at 36%-52%. In addition, only 39% of respondents said that Angle’s views are “mainstream,” compared to 50% who say her views are “extremist.” Self-identified moderate voters hold the view of Angle being an extremist by a 68%-22% margin — and this same group is supporting Reid by a nearly-identical margin of 64%-28%.
“This could be mixed news. Angle’s alignment with the Tea Party may be harmful if all registered voters voted,” writes PPP president Dean Debnam. “However the Tea Party is more energized and excited about voting than anyone else, they are more likely to show up to the polls. In an election this close her alliance with the Tea Party could be the reason she wins.”
