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Johanns' lead over Kleeb slides in new poll

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BY DON WALTON / Lincoln Journal Star

Friday, Oct 03, 2008 - 04:47:46 pm CDT

Mike Johanns said Thursday he’s not concerned about a new Senate poll that suggests his lead over Scott Kleeb has dropped from 25 points to 14.

“If 30 days before the election, I’m ahead by double digits, I think every Senate candidate in the nation would trade places with me,” Johanns said.

Kleeb said the survey by Rasmussen Reports is evidence of his momentum in the closing weeks of the Senate match.

Story Photo
Mike Johanns

“We’ve made tremendous gains with independents,” the Democratic nominee said, pointing to Rasmussen figures that showed him leading among nonpartisan voters by 43 percent to 35 percent.

Johanns, the Republican nominee, led overall by 52 percent to 38 percent.

The 25-point spread occurred in a telephone survey by Rasmussen in July.

The newest poll of 500 likely voters was conducted Tuesday in the wake of this week’s record Wall Street stock market plunge.

“It was an unusual week,” Johanns said. “You take a poll on any given day and you get different results. 

“But we always have said this race would tighten.”

Kleeb said the poll results show he still has time to catch Johanns before the Nov. 4 election.

“What happened this week not only in terms of the financial crisis, but in issue after issue, demonstrates what I’ve been suggesting,” Kleeb said.

“We can do better than this.”

Reach Don Walton at 473-7248 or at dwalton@journalstar.com.


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Dan wrote on October 2, 2008 7:48 pm:
" How is this quitter in the lead at all??? Quit as Mayor, quit as governor, and quit as Secretary of Agriculture. "
whatever wrote on October 2, 2008 7:55 pm:
" Given that the JS pays little attention to Kleeb and Kleeb hasn't begun to advertise in earnest should be really disconcerting. Now that Johanns has a "plan" to bailout Wall Street one would expect his lead has fallen within the margin of error. And if Johanns lead has slipped what of McCain's? "
Brenda wrote on October 2, 2008 8:56 pm:
" What has Johanns done for the people of DeWitt and other small towns? Has he even addressed this issue of business closure and outsourcing jobs overseas? NO NO NO Kleeb and Obama are the only candidates, incumbant or not, to address these issues! "
Send him a Pink slip wrote on October 2, 2008 9:17 pm:
" Johanns is a politician to the core, he thinks that simply because he's a republican he can win this state, I hope people won't fall for that. Johanns is not the person we should send. He's had his chance as a Governor, then as a Agriculture administration, and now he's back here looking for us to send him back to Washington. The only place we should send Johanns, is to the Unemployment line.
Let's send some new blood to Washington, Vote for Kleeb "
gracie wrote on October 2, 2008 10:00 pm:
" If Johanns makes it to the Senate, what's to stop him from running for President? Of course he'd have to quit the Senate to do that too . . . ENOUGH! What will it take to get him out of politics? Can't we make him ambassador to some foreign country? "
Lissa wrote on October 2, 2008 10:03 pm:
" Keeb walks and talks like a man who can face issues. I won't call Johanns a quitter, but he sure sounds like a constant whiner. His nagging might move this Independent to vote for Kleeb. "
Ricky wrote on October 2, 2008 10:10 pm:
" It would be a minor miracle if "The Quitter" managed to avoid getting swept up by the Obama tidal wave.

Ricky From Omaha "
WCG wrote on October 2, 2008 10:38 pm:
" Why in the world is Johanns in the lead at all? Yeah, I know we're a Republican state, but have we completely lost our minds? Johanns was a member of the worst presidential administration in U.S. history - hopelessly incompetent Republicans who've almost destroyed our country. Johanns supported their failed policies every step of the way, and has even held fund-raisers with George W. Bush.

Look at our situation today, and compare it with when Bush first took office. It's been a complete, unmitigated disaster,... from day one. So how dumb do you have to be to 'stay the course' with this bunch? Why would you give them another chance to finish the job of destroying our country's military, economy, and honor? Why would you reward ANY 'loyal Bushie' with another position in Washington (or even any Republican)?

I just don't get it. When you screw up THIS BAD, aren't there any political consequences at all? Even a diehard Republican should be willing to give the Democrats a chance after the past eight years. Unless we really HAVE lost our collective minds. "
Just the facts wrote on October 2, 2008 10:49 pm:
" I've looked on Mike Johanns' web site, listened to his commercials, read his remarks in the paper, and keep hearing how he is running on his record. Unfortunately, he never mentions anything specific in his "record." If you are a Johanns supporter and you read this post, let me know not three, not two, but one thing he did as Governor that helped our state - please. "
hollister wrote on October 2, 2008 11:06 pm:
" This is a hundred vote race. Scott offers energy, intelligence, deep Nebraska roots, and honest, plain speaking total dedication to the job at hand. Mike offers tax relief for big, big money,and a penchant for walking away when the going gets tough. The choice is clear, and your vote really does matter!! "
Sue wrote on October 2, 2008 11:24 pm:
" Kleeb is the one to vote for! He has so much potential to do so much good for the people of this state. Scott is an exceptional person and candidate. He is passionate about making life better for middle class Nebraskans. "
Dan wrote on October 3, 2008 2:11 am:
" When Bush ran in 2000, he said he would run the country like a business. True to form, we're now bankrupt like everything else he has touched. Johanns was his pick for ag secretary when the position came open. True to form Johanns quit that to run for senator. I don't blame him. Why go down with the ship when you can abandon it to run for something else? His tv spot says he is proven, tested and trusted. He has proven to be a quiter, tested?, and I trust him to quit if elected. He should go back to Iowa were he came from and bestow his expertise on them! Haven't we had enough of career politicians? We passed term limits in this state to get rid of a state senator, maybe it's time to pass a limit on how many offices a person can hold in a lifetime! "
Saline County wrote on October 3, 2008 5:32 am:
" Brenda is correct. When asked about the closing of the Vise-Grip plant in DeWitt, Johanns said he was surprised because fuel prices are high. Where has he been? That's temporary, offshoring is permanent. "
on top wrote on October 3, 2008 8:44 am:
" of all the quitting he isn't even from nebraska, probably why he quits so much.. more bush and i don't mean good bush; just a bush bush.. "
JB wrote on October 3, 2008 9:02 am:
" Kleeb must get some major endorsements from political leaders. Ben Nelson and Bob Kerry need to give Kleeb their endorsements as soon as possible. The national Democratic Party should recognize the Kleeb can win here and give him the money to do so. "
JB wrote on October 3, 2008 9:37 am:
" I have a plan!?!?! A plan to quit again? Nebraska needs some new blood. Johanns is bought and paid for by the right wing. Just a mouth piece with a script. "
Surprised yet not wrote on October 3, 2008 10:32 am:
" So far, every one of the comments is in favor of Kleeb, which I think is a great thing. And yet, as the rest of you, I completely question how Johanns can be ahead in the polls AT ALL, let alone by double digits. I'm thrilled that some independents have come to the right (well, left) side--NO MORE REPUGLICANS!!! But it's not enough. I have a really bad feeling that the "red" lemmings will fall in line and take away a great chance at electing Kleeb--someone who could breathe some badly needed new life into our country's senate. I will proudly be voting Kleeb and Obama/Biden. Let's hope we can help those from the dark (red) side see the light! "
omaha girl wrote on October 3, 2008 11:13 am:
" A plea to all the ladies reading this, Kleeb is a better choice for us and our kids. Scott will make sure No Child Left Behind is changed so our kids and teachers can get back to learning. Johanns is all talk on everything from healthcare and to education. Kleeb needs us women and moms behind him to get him to the Senate. "
rac wrote on October 3, 2008 12:02 pm:
" "I just don't get it. When you screw up THIS BAD, aren't there any political consequences at all? Even a diehard Republican should be willing to give the Democrats a chance after the past eight years. Unless we really HAVE lost our collective minds. "

This diehard Republican is NOT going to vote for the tax and spend wealth-redistributing liberals, sorry. Johanns has it wrapped-up, a double-digit lead is pretty safe at this time. Lincoln/Omaha may be the liberal bastion here, but the rest of the state is not.

BTW, don't you think there's a reason Nelson, Kerry, and the Democratic machine haven't endorsed Kleeb yet at this late stage? "
omaha girl wrote on October 3, 2008 2:39 pm:
" Nelson has endorsed Kleeb. So have the two mayors of Lincoln and Omaha. Kleeb doesn't seem to be relying on Democrats to carry him through the finish line and I like that. "
Endorsements wrote on October 3, 2008 4:13 pm:
" Both Bob Kerry and Ben Nelson have endorsed Kleeb. Sen. Bob Menendez from New Jersey came to the state in August for Kleeb. Sen. Claire McCaskill (a major surrogate for the Obama campaign and a very popular senator from Missouri) will be here this weekend to host a fundraiser for Kleeb. More will be coming this month.

Mike Johanns does not represent anyone but himself. He's for winning and against losing. He wants to go back to that million dollar home he and his wife live in in the DC area (and where his wife still lives and works from). They saw the Bush presidency coming to an end and wanted to ensure that Johanns would have to look for a job that isn't a political office. I believe the new poll doesn't reflect the reality. I believe that the numbers are much closer together. Matter of fact, some numbers have shown that Kleeb is matching and even surpassing Johanns in places in the 3rd District. Now it's time for the Lincoln and Omaha voters to step up to the plate and vote for the best interest of everyone. Vote for Kleeb and you're get a real advocate for Nebraska!! "
JoBeth wrote on October 3, 2008 10:05 pm:
" Thanks goodness. We don't need anymore of Mike Johanns. "
Johans and Economy wrote on October 4, 2008 6:14 am:
" Possibly Johanns is hurting himself with his economic recovery proposal ads which remind the world he is a Bush henchman and is likely implicated in the current mess we are in financially. It would be a welcome sight to have Johanns fall in the polls until he can't win. We don't need another quitter at a time like this. "
JB wrote on October 4, 2008 6:56 am:
" Kleeb needs to advertise these endorsements. His ads are nice, but need some edge. "
jo 6 pack wrote on October 4, 2008 8:08 am:
" gop all the way thats what i'm talkin bout "
Sue wrote on October 4, 2008 3:14 pm:
" Go Scott Kleeb! I am so impressed by the comments posted supporting Scott. We can't let this opportunity to elect someone of Scott's caliber slip through our hands. He will make this state and nation a better place. Spread the word. "
Sue wrote on October 4, 2008 3:39 pm:
" Me again. Yesterday, a very republican co-worker told about watching a special on e-TV about Kleeb and Johanns. After watching this program, she was totally sold on Kleeb because according to her "he is running for all the right reasons." She has never before voted for anyone other than a republican but she does plan on voting for Kleeb this election! "

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