New Majority Watch Polls: Even More Democratic Pickups

Here are the details that Jerome hinted at below.

On the heels of news that Jim Webb has taken the lead in the five-poll average of the Virginia Senate race (or at least he will, once the new Rasumssen is released), comes equally encourage news form Majority Watch. Just look at these amazing House polls (10/24-10/26, 1,000 LVs):

(Democratic held seats in italics, netroots candidates in bold)
  • AZ-01: Renzi (R) 48%--46% Simon (D) (previous: Simon by five)
  • CA-04: Doolittle (R) 49%--46% Brown (D) (previous: Doolittle by eight)
  • CA-11: McNerney (D) 48%--46% Pombo (R) (no trendline)
  • CO-04: Paccione (D) 48%--45% Musgrave (R) (previous: Musgrave by six)
  • CO-07: Perlmutter (D) 51%--46% O'Donnell (R) (previous: tied)
  • CT-02: Courtney (D) 51%--45% Simmons (R) (previous: Courtney by six)
  • CT-04: Shays (R) 52%--42% Farrell (D) (previous: Shays by seven)
  • CT-05: Murphy (D) 51%--43% Johnson (R) (previous: Johnson by six)
  • FL-13: Jennings (D) 49%--47% Buchannan (R) (previous: Jennings by two)
  • FL-22: Klein (D) 50%--48% Shaw (R) (previous: Shaw by eight)
  • IA-02: Leach (R) 50%--48% Loebsack (D) (previous: Loebsack by one)
  • IL-06: Duckworth (D) 48%--47% Roskam (R) (previous: Roskam by one)
  • IL-08: Bean (D) 50%--45% McSweeney (R) (previous: Bean by three)
  • IL-10: Seals (D) 48%--46% Kirk (R) (previous: Kirk by two)
  • IN-02: Donnelly (D) 48%--45% Chocola (R) (previous: Donnelly by four)
  • IN-08: Ellsworth (D) 53%--43% Hostettler (R) (previous: Ellsworth by six)
  • IN-09: Hill (D) 51%--43% Sodrel (R) (previous: Hill be eleven)
  • KY-03: Yarmuth (D) 52%--46% Northup (R) (previous: tied)
  • KY-04: Lucas (D) 50%--46% Davis (R) (previous: Davis by three)
  • MN-01: Gutknecht (R) 50%--47% Walz (D) (previous: Gutknecht by one)
  • MN-06: Bachman (R) 48%--47% Wetterling (D) (previous: Wetterling by four)
  • NC-08: Kissell (D) 48%--44% Hayes (R) (previous: Kissell by seven)
  • NC-11: Schuler (D) 53%--44% Taylor (R) (previous: Schuler by eight)
  • NH-02: Hodes (D) 50%--47% Bass (R) (no trendline)
  • NJ-07: Ferguson (R) 46%--43% Stender (D) (previous: Ferguson by two)
  • NV-03: Porter (R) 51%--44% Hafen (D) (previous: Porter by eight)
  • NY-03: King (R) 51%--44% Mejias (D) (previous: King by two)
  • NY-19: Hall (D) 49%--47% Kelley (R) (previous: Hall by eight)
  • NY-20: Gillibrand (D) 53%--42% Sweeney (R) (previous: Gillibrand by thirteen)
  • NY-25: Maffei (D) 53%--44% Walsh (R) (previous: Maffei by eight)
  • NY-29: Massa (D) 53%--42% Kuhl (R) (previous: Massa by twelve)
  • OH-01: Chabot (R) 48%--46% Cranley (D) (no trendline)
  • OH-02: Schmidt (R) 51%--46% Wulsin (D) (previous: Wulsin by three)
  • OH-12: Tiberi (R) 51%--46% Shamansky (D) (no trendline)
  • PA-04: Hart (R) 51%--47% Altmire (D) (no trendline)
  • PA-06: Murphy (D) 51%--46% Gerlach (R) (previous: Murphy by six)
  • PA-08: Murphy: (D) 50%--47% Fitzpatrick (R) (previous: Fitzpatrick by eight)
  • VA-02: Kellam (D) 50%--45% Drake (R) (previous: Drake by four)
  • WA-05: McMorris (R) 51%--46% Goldmark (D) (no trendline)
  • WA-08: Burner (D) 49%--47% Reichert (R) (previous Reichert by three)
  • WI-08: Kagen (D) 51%--45% Gard (R) (previous: Kagen by two)
This is just remarkable. Looking at these numbers, one has to wonder if any Republicans are safe this year. It seems like every time a new district is polled, a new and very serious Democratic challenge appears. Current Majority Watch polling shows Republicans down to 177 safe seats (that is, seats with leads outside the margin of error). They also show exactly 60 races within the margin of error, backing up everything I wrote last night. A simple burp or hiccup in this election could cause ten seats to swing one way or the other. Further, the second and third tier$ candidates we have helped for the netroots page are also clearly rocking out. Look at out picks: CA-11, IL-10, MN-01, NH-02, NJ-07, NY-29, PA-08 and WA-08. With the exception of WA-08, none of these were supposed to be top tier races. However we are actually leading in six out of eight (and in the other two, MN-01 and NJ-07, Walz and Stender are very only down three). Man, the netroots know how to pick the right candidates. It is also a pleasure to see Democrats doing well in other districts we have helped, including FL-22, IL-06, OH-02, PA-06 and TX-22. We expanded the playing field, big time.

As a side note, I heard about this project in mid-July, long before any of the polls went into the field. I was told the scope of the project before it ever took place, and I was also informed of the methodology, at the same time. I was very impressed, and because of this I was sweating bullets until the first set came out. Basically, it seemed like it would be the single most important public polling project of the entire cycle, and it would be the best public source of information on House polling bar none. The stated purpose was to get IVR polling (automated, computer polling) right, and to see whether or not the "big Dem wave" narrative held up to any scrutiny. For weeks, I was terrified that these polls would not show that the narrative would hold up to scrutiny. Clearly, however, it shows that it does hold up. Now, the question is whether or not the project really did get IVR polling right. I have talked with the guy heading up the project, and he stands by his results.

We will find out soon enough. However, with these polls, all available public evidence points to a Democratic takeover of the House. Let's make this takeoer as big as we can make it.



Display:


Re: New Majority Watch Polls (none / 0)

I'm sure that they stand behind their polling, but they may or may not have the model correct, and that is why it's 'with a pinch' that we have to see if it pans out or not.

Hopefully, it does. Otherwise, Majority Watch will have to go the way of pollster Scott Rasmussen's 2000 IVR creation "Portrait of America".


by Jerome Armstrong on Mon Oct 30, 2006 at 08:05:30 PM EST

Pickups (none / 0)

The only problem is the Majority Watch polls don't really stack up with other public polling on the races... Shays up by 10 in CT-4?  Gabbi Gifford ahead of right wing nutjob Graf only by 4 in AZ-8?


by MyDD Fan on Mon Oct 30, 2006 at 08:09:32 PM EST

Re: Pickups (none / 0)

That's an Aug pre-primary number for AZ 8th.  The Shays one sorta makes you think twice, esp since there was just one out showing her up.


by Jerome Armstrong on Mon Oct 30, 2006 at 08:37:47 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Pickups (none / 0)

Shays being ahead 10 points is outside the margin of error, and in one of the bluest districts held by a Republican.  Shays has been a nutter the past few weeks and Farrell is a strong candidate.  It doesn't make sense.  So many of these numbers don't make sense and 1) don't match CW and 2) don't match other released opinion polls.


by MyDD Fan on Mon Oct 30, 2006 at 08:43:06 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Pickups (none / 0)

It's possible that, with several dozen new polls, only a few of them are screwed up though isn't it?  I mean, with that many polls, a couple are bound to be outliers for reasons other than methodology I would think...


by Lucas O'Connor on Mon Oct 30, 2006 at 08:47:55 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: New Majority Watch Polls: Even More Democratic (none / 0)

This is so positive, it's scary.  I just hope to hell it's accurate.  

Note that 28 races have a lead of five or fewer points.  If this poll is accurate, the wave depends on our final eight days of hard, hard work.  


John McCain Opposed Expanded GI Bill
by hilltopper on Mon Oct 30, 2006 at 08:11:03 PM EST

You might want to add CA-04 (none / 0)

to the netroots list.  Charlie Brown has had great support from Firedoglake and Blue America/Down With Tyranny, both in dollars raised and getting boots on the ground.  And, I might add, with no help from the DCCC.  


"I'm a goddam citizen, that's who!" -- The Distinguished Gentleman
by Linda R on Mon Oct 30, 2006 at 08:11:15 PM EST

Re: You might want to add CA-04 (none / 0)

Unfortunately, I think the time for adding Charlie is past, much to my chagrin.

That said...he really could use some cash today to pay for his really excellent ad.  They have some of the last air time reserved in the district, but need $50k to pay for it.  Contribute via ActBlue here.

This poll feels right to me.  Media has been really favorable to Charlie in the last couple weeks, with Doolittle's investigation heating up.


by juls on Mon Oct 30, 2006 at 08:41:35 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: You might want to add CA-04 (none / 0)

Hi Juls -- I meant add Charlie to the bold-faced-designated "netroots" candidates.  I forgot that was an official group!


"I'm a goddam citizen, that's who!" -- The Distinguished Gentleman
by Linda R on Mon Oct 30, 2006 at 09:39:00 PM EST
[ Parent ]

A new morning in America (none / 0)

All I have to say is "Landslide Baby!"


by SecondComing on Mon Oct 30, 2006 at 08:23:06 PM EST

Re: A new morning in America (none / 0)

I presume we all have Fleetwood Mac somewhere near at hand in case it becomes necessary.


by Lucas O'Connor on Mon Oct 30, 2006 at 08:26:11 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Even More Democratic Pickups (none / 0)

The thing I hate most about Majority Watch is that it is going to contribute to making us overconfident.  We can't go into the final week thinking "landslide."  We have to fight like we're 10 points behind running on one leg and a crutch.  

We have to exhaust ourselves, then we can party.


by MyDD Fan on Mon Oct 30, 2006 at 08:34:05 PM EST

Re: Even More Democratic Pickups (none / 0)

I disagree. Tactics are different if you're ahead than if you're behind.  It doesn't mean we work with any less urgency, but we ignore the prevailing winds at our own peril.


by Lucas O'Connor on Mon Oct 30, 2006 at 08:36:06 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Even More Democratic Pickups (none / 0)

Can't we just vote tomorrow already and get it over with?


by global yokel on Mon Oct 30, 2006 at 09:08:21 PM EST

Actually I just voted tonight (3.00 / 2)

straight Democratic ticket.


"Once in a while you get shown the light In the strangest of places if you look at it right"
by molly bloom on Mon Oct 30, 2006 at 09:23:50 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Even More Democratic Pickups (none / 0)

If this poll is right about the NY 20th (Gillibrand with a double-digit lead over Sweeney?) it is a very big deal.  Sweeney is a major player in the House, and a hard right GOP lieutenant.  Taking him out would be an incredible acheivement.


by global yokel on Mon Oct 30, 2006 at 09:17:18 PM EST

Re: Even More Democratic Pickups (none / 0)

Its not plausible.

As MyDD's house forecast wrote
The NY-20 has the 'best poll duo ever'

Siena College shows him waaaaaaay up.
MW shows her waaaaaaay up.

While i would love to say that Gillibrand is up by tons i really don't think its possible.

The other MW polls have calmed to a more reasonable amount and showing more realistic results but i still don't believe the polling from MW in the NY-20

-- MrMacMan


by MrMacMan on Mon Oct 30, 2006 at 09:57:47 PM EST
[ Parent ]

It's possible... (none / 0)

... but doubtful. I suspect the polls showing us within a few points of each other are more accurate.

Sweeney's personal support is really only an inch deep in this district which is why I say it is possible.

But generic Republican support is considerably deeper which is why I say it is doubtful.


The 10,000 Things
by Andrew C White on Mon Oct 30, 2006 at 10:41:39 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: New Majority Watch Polls: Even More Democratic (none / 0)

I don't know, after seeing Research 2000, a polling firm with a solid record and reputation, report that Farrell was leading Shays by 4, should I really be bouyed to see her trailing by 10?

Also, while a 2 point lead for John Hall over Sue Kelly in NY-19 is surely plausible (much more so than the 9-point lead previously reported), I just can't believe Gillibrand is leading by 11 in NY-20. I had hoped the new poll on that district would be tighter than the 13 point lead they reported last time so as to give all their polls more credibility. Even democratic internal polls show Gillibrand with only a 2-3 point lead.


by Davidsfr on Mon Oct 30, 2006 at 09:21:21 PM EST

Seemingly good news everywhere but Nevada (none / 0)

Sheesh. That's the frustration for me. We can't find a lead in any of the major races, despite good candidates and opponents who can't decide which crime to commit or rule to break.

I thought Hafen would cut it to perhaps 4 points.

The problem is the statewide dynamic, Las Vegas as one variable and the rest of the state the other variable. They oppose each other in partisanship, but you get the feeling the numbers do get stuck.


by Gary Kilbride on Mon Oct 30, 2006 at 10:01:45 PM EST

Re: New Majority Watch Polls: Even More Democratic (none / 0)

177 "safe" seats... but who knows what all seats they're not polling that they're counting as safe?  Majority Watch isn't even bothering to poll places like ID-01, NE-03, WY-AL, CO-05, NV-02, AZ-05, and a few others that I would hardly call "safe" for the GOP.


by Tom on Mon Oct 30, 2006 at 10:42:23 PM EST

Re: New Majority Watch Polls: Even More Democratic (none / 0)

They did poll ID-01. They also list their "potentially contested but not polled" Republican seats as: AZ-05, CO-05, FL-08 and 09, KY-02, NE-01, NV-02, NH-01, TX-23, and WY-AL. So those don't count towards the 177 safe seats. However, there are still some, like KS-02, that are listed as safe and probably aren't. Say what you want about poll methodology, but these numbers are stunning. Also, I could play with the map for hours.


by BenBass on Mon Oct 30, 2006 at 11:13:32 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Is this the last wave? (none / 0)

   Is this the last we will be seeing of new Majority watch polls?  


Jim Oberweis
by cilerder86 on Mon Oct 30, 2006 at 10:44:55 PM EST

You Got One Backwards Chris (none / 0)

OH-01: Chabot (R) 48%--46% Cranley (D) (no trendline)

That is actually Cranley (D) 48% and Chabot(R) 46%.

This is a highly watched race right now because OH-01 is one of the highly gerrymandered districts that was made to protect Chabot. Hell - just come to my house. I am in OH-08. Walk across the street and I am in OH-01. Walk north on my street about 6 house, back in OH-01. Go to the start of my street (to the south) - back in OH-01. I even know someone down the street whose house was blocked out just to be in OH-01 because they are Republicans. It is a nightmare.

With all the said - it is great that Cranley is ahead right now (even if it is in the MOE).


by hovercrafter on Mon Oct 30, 2006 at 10:57:42 PM EST

NC-8, NC-11 (none / 0)

This is 2 consecutive polls from Majority Watch that show GOP incumbents Charles Taylor (NC-11) and Robin Hayes (NC-8) at 44%, trailing Heath Shuler and Larry Kissell.

After 2 weeks of nastiness, direct mail lies, and false TV ads, these 2 GOP millionaires (the #3 and #6 richest members of the House) have nothing to show for it.  They were at 44% percent 2 weeks ago, and they still are. They have peaked.

Keep blowing your fortunes, boys.  It's not gonna help.  NC voters have your number this year.  44.


Enough is enough!
by Bear83 on Mon Oct 30, 2006 at 11:48:39 PM EST

Re:IL-10 (none / 0)

Conventional wisdom can be wrong, but I live next to this district and Seals being up flies in the face of everything I know about that race.  Just yesterday, Chicago Tribune had an article about Seals' frustration that Kirk wouldn't debate him.  This is the talk of someone who feels he's losing, not of someone winning.

Great if true, but is this poll true?  I fear it is an outlier, and if so, it makes me want to distrust some more of the good news.


by sTiVo on Tue Oct 31, 2006 at 06:33:52 AM EST

Re: PA-08 (none / 0)

There's a Muhlenberg College poll out from 10/25-27
showing Fitzpatrick 47, Murphy 42 LVs with leaners.
This is an improvement from the Keystone Poll of 10/19-24 showing Fitzpatrick up 48-39. The MJ/CD poll seems out of whack although it's a tad more recent than the Muhlenberg poll.
by phillydem on Tue Oct 31, 2006 at 12:14:52 PM EST

Not so reassuring: D trends weakening (none / 0)

Looking at the numbers here, there are some encouraging signs, but a lot that troubles me too.

On the plus, Democratic candidates are leading in 28 races now, compared to 18 using the previous poll.

BUT, Democrats have lost leads in 4 races, and the Republican candidate is closing in on 7 more.

Of the 11 tightest races, in 8 the Democratic candidate's lead is 2 points or less, compared to only 3 where the Republican lead is that small (and in each of those three--AZ-1, MN-6, and IA-2--the Republican candidate has overtaken the previous lead by the Democrat).

And overall, 15 Democratic candidate's numbers are lower than they were in the previous poll.

So yeah, some good news, but this is no time to get complacent and overconfident. GOTV!!!


"Demonstrate your faith to me without works, and I will demonstrate my faith to you from my works."
by Roby NJ on Tue Oct 31, 2006 at 02:01:29 PM EST


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