The newest Albuquerque Journal poll shows that U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce, R-N.M., has increased his lead over Democratic challenger Al Kissling.
The poll, conducted Sept. 25-28, shows Pearce with 58 percent of the vote, compared to 27 percent for Kissling. A Journal poll conducted a month ago had Pearce leading 54-29 percent.
In the interim, Pearce unveiled a series of radio ads attacking Kissling, including the “bizarre” commercial that uses the Democrat’s own words against him. Pearce has painted Kissling as an extremist in an attempt to appeal to moderate Democrats, and it appears to be working.
Some 46 percent of Democrats said they’ll vote for Pearce, according to the Journal, up from 32 percent a month ago. Kissling’s support among Democrats dropped from 50 percent to 40.
The news isn’t all bad for Kissling, who has unveiled his own radio advertisements in the past couple of weeks attacking Pearce on issues relevant to seniors and veterans.
Pearce’s support among Republicans has dropped, according to the new poll. A month ago, Pearce had support of 85 percent of Republicans. The new poll found that 79 percent of Republicans plan to vote for Pearce.
Seven percent of Republicans said they’ll vote for Kissling, up from 3 percent a month ago. Pearce’s support in the conservative eastern portion of the district has also dropped, from 78 percent to 71 percent.
However, it’s that huge shift in support among Democrats that has allowed Pearce to extend his lead.
Kissling plans to increase his attacks on Pearce. The Democrat is speaking Wednesday at a news conference held by veterans who support him and plan to demand that Pearce explain votes with which they are unhappy.
The new Journal poll also found that Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., has a huge lead over his Republican challenger, Allen McCulloch. Bingaman has 65 percent of the vote in the new poll, while McCulloch has just 19 percent.
In the 3rd Congressional District race in
Update, 5:11 p.m.