A new poll is out suggesting incumbent Senator Martha McSally (R-AZ) is losing traction to challenger, former astronaut, and husband to former Rep Gabby Gifford (D-AZ) Mark Kelly (R-AZ).
Arizona’s Electoral College votes could be in play in November, according to a Monmouth (“Mon‐muth”) University Poll of registered voters in the state. Joe Biden has a slight lead over President Donald Trump, while Bernie Sanders is basically tied with the incumbent. In tomorrow’s Democratic primary election, Biden has a 20 point lead over Sanders. The poll also finds that the Arizona U.S. Senate race could start off with a Democratic edge as well, with Mark Kelly having a 6 point lead against Martha McSally. [Monmouth University Poll]
For a state which acquired a ferocious reputation in 2016 when a traditionally Republican paper endorsed Clinton and was bombarded by hate mail, I’m fascinated to see Biden has a lead over Trump, as well as Arizona’s other Senate seat now being in danger. Remember, McSally ran for, and lost, the seat now held by Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ); she only occupies the other seat due to an appointment by Governor Doug Ducey (R-AZ). Kelly, whatever his policy proposals, is both an automatic hero and seems like an easily approachable and affable candidate. It’s my guess that he’ll win, possibly by as many as five points – and McSally will be washed up. A result that wouldn’t bother me, given her disrespect for the press.
In 2016, the state went for Trump by less than 4 points. Could the eleven Arizona Electoral Votes be in play? There are still a number of months to go before the Election of the Geriatrics takes place, but this may be worrisome for Republican officials. If government efforts to ameliorate the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic are ineffective, Trump may begin losing the elderly conservative vote. People don’t like losing their friends to something that didn’t have to be as bad as it might be.
But let’s hope it doesn’t go that far.
