A statewide poll funded by Harris, Deville & Associates indicates that Governor Edwards leads the October primary with 38% voter support, followed by Congressman Ralph Abraham with 23%, and Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone has 7%. 32% of respondents are undecided. JMC Analytics pollster John Couvillon says results are favorable for Edwards.
“Governor Edwards is in good, but not great, shape for reelection. I believe from looking at the numbers there would, more likely than not, be a run-off,” said Couvillon.
Support for Edwards rises to 40% in a run-off with Abraham who gets 36% with 24% undecided. Edwards gets 41% in a run-off with Rispone who gets 28% with 31% undecided. Couvillon says the individual percentages that the two Republican candidates are receiving are not yet relevant.
“They haven’t begun to spend money. I think the Abraham and Rispone numbers instead represent what that Republican vote is out there against Governor Edwards,” said Couvillon.
Couvillon says the low numbers for Rispone is not yet troubling, because he’s still building name recognition.
“But it is a signal that Rispone needs to start upping his game on getting his name out there to voters,” said Couvillon.
