Governor’s Race Up For Grabs

Raleigh, N.C. – Wisconsin appears to be headed for a close Gubernatorial race in 2010.
Likely Democratic candidate Tom Barrett is within the margin of error against three
potential Republicans opponents. He leads Tommy Thompson 46-41, is up 41-39 against
Mark Neumann, and finds himself tied 40-40 with Scott Walker.

For the most part the candidates are unknown with the exception of Thompson who is
known but not liked. 57% of voters don’t know enough about Neumann to have an
opinion, 48% say the same of Barrett, and Walker is a relatively blank slate to 44% of the
state as well.

The poll results make it clear it was a good thing for Democrats in the state that Jim
Doyle decided not to run again. In a June survey testing him against some of the same
Republican candidates he trailed Walker 48-40 and Neumann 42-41.

Independents are leaning toward Republicans in the Gubernatorial contest, reflecting a
national trend. Walker’s 43-28 lead over Barrett with them is responsible for his keeping
the race tied.

“The Wisconsin Gubernatorial race is really up for grabs,” said Dean Debnam, President
of Public Policy Polling. “With the candidates mostly unknown to the voters right now
it’s impossible to say how the contest will play out. It is clear though that Republicans
have a decent shot of taking back this office.”

A PPP survey earlier this week found Russ Feingold in solid position for reelection.
PPP surveyed 767 Wisconsin voters from November 20th to 22nd. The survey’s margin
of error is +/-3.5%. Other factors, such as refusal to be interviewed and weighting, may
introduce additional error that is more difficult to quantify.

Complete results can be found at www.publicpolicypolling.com