Professional Documents
Culture Documents
A new survey, fielded September 22nd and 23rd, shows incumbent Republican
Congressman Vern Buchanan has only 44 percent support to 40 percent for Democratic
challenger Christine Jennings in Florida’s 13th Congressional District. Sixteen (16)
percent of voters are undecided. Jennings now is within the margin of error of
Buchanan’s standing. The race was a photo finish two years ago.
The recent wave of fresh allegations about Buchanan’s business dealings has
soured voter’s attitudes towards Buchanan. Seventy-eight (78) percent of voters across
the district have heard or read something recently about Buchanan recently, and of
these voters a plurality (43 percent) report it made them less favorable towards him,
while 23 percent say it made them more favorable. Only 39 percent feel Buchanan
deserves re-election.
Voters have apparently seen press reports of the recent lawsuits and the
campaign’s advertising detailing allegations of financial fraud against Buchanan. The
information has resonated with the electorate, while Buchanan’s message of honesty
and independence apparently has not, despite his heavy advertising on broadcast
television since late July.
This contest has become too close to call with atmospherics that favor Jennings.
*Methodological Note: This poll of 400 likely 2008 general election voters in Florida’s 13th Congressional
District was conducted September 22nd to September 23rd, 2008, by professional interviewers. The margin of
error is +/- 4.9 percent.
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