Burr Looking Stronger for Re-Election in North Carolina

2 years ago

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First-term Sen. Richard Burr of North Carolina continues to suffer from tepid job approval numbers. But, apparently whatever reservations voters have about Burr go double for the Democrats, since Burr wins match-ups against a generic Democratic candidate as well as specific potential challengers, according to a Public Policy Polling survey conducted Oct. 2-4.

Voters are split in their opinion of Burr with 36 percent approving, 35 percent disapproving and 29 percent undecided. That's down from last month when he was viewed favorably by 38 percent and unfavorably by 32 percent.

When voters were asked if they would re-elect Burr or prefer a Democrat, Burr won over the generic Democrat by 45 percent to 34 percent with 22 percent undecided.

In specific match-ups, Burr leads Secretary of State Elaine Marshall by 44 percent to 32 percent with 24 percent undecided, former state Senator Cal Cunningham by 46 percent to 27 percent with 27 percent undecided, Rep. Bob Etheridge by 44 percent to 33 percent with 23 percent undecided, and Chapel Hill Mayor Kevin Foy by 45 percent to 29 percent with 26 percent undecided. Marshall, viewed by some as the strongest challenger, has filed exploratory paperwork to make the race and the other three have said they are considering it.

Burr holds a 20 point edge over all of the Democrats among independents.

"The winds are blowing in a Republican direction and carrying him (Burr) right along," said PPP's Dean Debnam. "We are seeing this trend nationwide. People don't like incumbent Republicans or Democrats, but they like their potential challengers even less."

Filed Under: Senate, Polls, Poll Watch, 2010 Elections

Tagged: Bob Etheridge, BobEtheridge, Cal Cunningham, CalCunningham, Elaine Marshall, ElaineMarshall, north carolina senate race, NorthCarolinaSenateRace, richard burr, RichardBurr

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