A We Ask America poll of the governor’s race has Governor Edwards at 47%, Eddie Rispone at 23%, and Ralph Abraham at 17%.
Pollster Andrew Weissert says Edwards continues to sit just shy of avoiding a run-off because while he has a 56% approval rating, voters still aren’t confident he’s righted the ship.
“A plurality of voters at 44% believe the state is headed in the wrong direction, compared to 43% who believe it is heading in the right direction,” said Weissert.
The poll did have one encouraging bit of news for Edwards, 61% of independents have a favorable view of him.
It’s the second independent poll to show Rispone climbing ahead of Abraham. Weissert says the GOP side of the race will be fascinating because if they can’t force a run-off, neither of their efforts matter.
“The question is whether they continue to fight it out for second, or have the ability to cut into the Governor’s numbers themselves,” said Weissert. “So far it looks like Governor Edwards has been able to rise above the fray.”
The poll surveyed 600 likely voters and has a four percent margin of error.
Weissert says If Edwards remains stuck under 50% and gets thrown into a run-off, the Governor could be in big trouble, as Republicans appear ready to unite behind either option.
“Eddie’s image is at 64% favorable over 17% unfavorable among Republicans, while the Congressman is at 65% favorable and 18% unfavorable,” said Weissert.
The poll has 11% undecided, with two percent saying they’ll vote for Independent Gary Landrieu.
