New Poll: Ellmers Leading Etheridge in Final Stretch

Dunn, NC─ Today a new Civitas Institute poll showed Renee Ellmers, Republican candidate for Congress in North Carolina’s Second District, leading longtime incumbent Rep. Bob Etheridge by 5 points, 46 percent to 41 percent.  The survey of 400 registered voters was taken October 21-24 by SurveyUSA.

Ms. Ellmers’ opposition to new taxes and President Obama’s healthcare bill, along with high-profile endorsements from former Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin and leading conservative groups, have given her an advantage over Etheridge in what has become “the political fight of his life,” according to Civitas.

“Despite Congressman Etheridge receiving millions of dollars in contributions from union groups and Washington special interests, the people of North Carolina’s Second District are looking for a citizen representative, not a career politician,” said Ms. Ellmers in a statement.  “We will never again have an opportunity like this to unseat 14-year incumbent Bob Etheridge.”

The poll also shows Ellmers lead growing among voters who plan to vote this year to 49 percent-40 percent.  Ellmers has peeled off 20 percent of Etheridge’s Democratic base.

For full results and crosstabs from the poll, please visit:

http://www.nccivitas.org/files/NC%20Congress%20District%202%20October%2010%20PR%20CTs.pdf