October 16, 2007 - 7:15pm
News

GOP poll: District 2 Senate race a dead heat

An internal campaign poll obtained by PoliticsNJ.com shows the second district state Senate race in a statistical dead heat, with Republicans leading in the contest for two Assembly seats.

The poll, which was conducted by McLaughlin & Associates, shows 41.7% of voters either voting for Democrat Jim Whelan or leaning towards him, while 41.3% picked Republican James “Sonny” McCullough.

In the Assembly contest, with respondents picking a combination of their first and second choices, Republican John Amodeo has a commanding lead over the pack, with 36%. The next preference was for Vince Polistana, with 28.7%, followed by Joe Wilkins with 27% and Blondell Spellman with 26.3%.

McCullough and Amodeo confirmed that the poll was from their campaign.

“It actually surprised me, because about a month and a half ago they had me ten points down, so that’s a pretty nice game,” said McCullough. “We’ve been doing a grassroots campaign and I think it’s paying off.”

John Amodeo said that he would not let his lead get to his head.

“I’m excited, but it’s no excuse to lay down. We’re just going to continue in the vein where we are right now,” said Amodeo.

Whelan’s campaign, however, doubted the accuracy of the poll. According to Whelan spokesman Raiyan Syed, their own polling tells a different story.

“We’re confident in what our polling is showing -- that we’re running strong and running ahead. It’s no wonder the Republicans have such a long track record of losing elections in New Jersey every single year,” said Syed. “It appears another one of their polls is straight out of story-book land.”

MATT FRIEDMAN is a PolitickerNJ.com Reporter and can be reached via email at matt@politicsnj.com.

Comments

Get rid of Whalen


He sold out the city when he voted against the Casino workers and caused the state to close for a few days. He also sold out the city when he defended Levy until it was obvious Levy was a criminal. He also sold out the city when he joined forces with George Norcross and the Camden power machine. Three strikes--- Whalen is out!

10/16/07 9:13 pm

Oh Please


Whelan did not shut down the state. Whelan was the last mayor of Atlantic City to bring any real development and growth. He called for Levy to resign before anyone else did-and they have been friends for over 30 years. Atlantic City needs someone to come in strong after Bill Gormley left and Whelan is perhaps the only one who can do it.

10/16/07 9:43 pm

I smell Democratic overconfidence


Perhaps McCullough's wait and see attitude is paying off, as now he will be flush with cash through Election Day.

10/17/07 1:06 am

Does not compute


Those Assembly numbers seem screwy, given that 36 + 28.7 + 27 + 26.3 = 117%.

Plus, figuring that this is a Republican poll, it's more likely the split is closer to 45-39 than the numbers shown. Barely breaking 40% is a scary thing for an incumbent three weeks out.

10/17/07 1:19 am

SJRed - That's Right RED


Your an IDIOT! As usual, speaking about something you "KNOW NOTHING ABOUT"

10/17/07 7:00 am

SJBlue


Get your facts straight. Whelan was in the Assembly when the state closed the casinos. He voted along party lines. I didn't say he was the mayor of AC at the time. No wonder the Democrats use a jackass as their national symbol.

10/17/07 10:58 am

In an assembly race...


since you pick 2, the percentages add up to 200% if you include those who are undecided.

10/17/07 11:21 am

If you build it they will come...


Whelan as Mayor redeveloped AC? I think Senator Gormley and his intimate understanding of CRDA deserve that credit, not Whelan.

10/17/07 2:29 pm

A Republican Poll


Dead Heat. Sorry but that is wishfull thinking.

A Republican internal poll that gets " leaked out" to the Press is designed to make this race look close.

Whelan will have more money to spend and will have a much better GOTV.

McCullough will hit the wall at 40%.

Wilkens will win with a lot of Labor support.

The only close race will be for the last spot in the Assembly.

Remember NO ONE LEAKS OUT INTERNAL POLLS!

10/17/07 7:57 pm

camden county norcross money smells like rotting fish


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10/21/07 9:09 am