O’DONNELL CUTS COONS’ EDGE

In the past two weeks, Republican Christine O’Donnell has narrowed Democrat Chris Coons’

lead in Delaware’s U.S. Senate race from 19 points to 10 points. The latest

Monmouth University Poll

finds Coons has the support of 51% of likely voters to 41% for O’Donnell. Two weeks ago, this race

stood at 57% to 38%.

O’Donnell has actually pulled into a 49% to 43% lead in the southern part of the state (i.e. Kent

and Sussex counties). Two weeks ago, this region of the state was divided at 47% for O’Donnell and

46% for Coons. The Democrat continues to hold a sizable advantage in New Castle County, but the

current 56% to 36% margin is down from the 63% to 33% edge he held earlier this month.

O’Donnell has also made gains among independent voters, now leading Coons 47% to 42%

among this voting bloc. Two weeks ago, she trailed in the independent vote by 51% to 41%.

“While Coons still has the advantage, it has to be uncomfortable knowing that O’Donnell was

able to shave 9 points off his lead in just two weeks. The interesting thing is that while her vote total has

risen, the majority of Delaware voters still say she is unqualified for the post,” said Patrick Murray,

director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute.

The poll found that just 35% of likely voters in Delaware feel that Christine O’Donnell is

qualified to be a U.S. Senator, while 56% say she is unqualified. That contrasts with their opinion of

Chris Coons, who 65% say is qualified for the U.S. Senate to 25% unqualified. These qualification

results for O’Donnell and Coons are basically identical to the Monmouth University Poll results from two

weeks ago.

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Senate margin now 10 points; Little change in House race