Simply Politics & News

[StephanieVanbryce]

Tennessee Senate:

Ford (D) 48%; Corker (R) 46%

October 13, 2006

Democratic Congressman Harold FordFollowing a shakeup in the Corker campaign, Tennessee's race for U.S. Senate has grown even tighter. Democratic Congressman Harold Ford now leads Republican Mayor Bob Corker by just two points, 48% to 46% (see crosstabs).

Ford also has an edge with the most committed voters. Voters who say there's little chance they will change their minds favor him 40% to 38%.

Rasmussen Reports is shifting the race from "Leans Democrat" to the "Toss-Up" column in our Senate Balance of Power summary.

Ford's support is unchanged from the previous Rasmussen Reports survey, when the congressman led 48% to 43%. Just after we conducted that poll, Corker replaced his campaign manager and shook up the campaign team.

Both men attract strong support from their partisan bases. Ford does better with unaffiliated voters and continues to enjoy a two-to-one advantage with moderates.

A good sign for the Democrat, who has been credited with running a very effective campaign, is that his supporters tend to be "for Ford" (72%) rather than "against Corker" (23%).

By contrast, just 54% of Corker supporters say they're "for Corker," and 41% say they're "against Ford." This may reflect the lingering impact of a bitter GOP Primary campaign.

Our latest poll was conducted just after the candidates' second televised debate, which observers say quickly grew contentious.

The economy, national security and government corruption are the issues voters most often consider "very important." Democrats are a bit more likely to say that the economy is a top concern, Republicans that national security is.

For most of 2006, the Tennessee race was considered likely to end up in the GOP column. However, following the Primary elections, Ford gained steadily for many weeks until he earned that five-point lead in our last poll.

Crosstabs are available for Premium Members only.


http://rasmussenreports.com/2006/State%20Polls/October%202006/TennesseeSenate.htm