WA-Elway: McKenna (R) with a small lead

[Tender Branson]

42% McKenna
40% Inslee

An earlier poll by Elway in February showed a nine-point difference -- with McKenna comfortably out in front, 45 percent to Inslee's 36 percent.

Why is the gap closing? Not clear.

Elway says, "Washington state tilts Democratic. As Inslee becomes better known as the Democratic candidate, his support will naturally rise."

The poll tried to determine which issues favor either candidate. McKenna's advantages were in managing government and the economy. Health care, women's issues and the environment were positive issues for Inslee.

The candidates were virtually tied on education.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politicsnorthwest/2018464898_elway_poll_gubernatorial_race.html

[Governor Scott]

18% undecided?  ...Junk.

[MilesC56]

18% undecided?  ...Junk.

PPP had 17% undecideds in their poll out today. My first reaction was to question its credibility, as well, but if you look at the last 5 polls from this race, the average amount of undecideds is about 17%. Neither Inslee nor McKenna have really been able to break out of the low-40s.

[Governor Scott]

18% undecided?  ...Junk.

PPP had 17% undecideds in their poll out today. My first reaction was to question its credibility, as well, but if you look at the last 5 polls from this race, the average amount of undecideds is about 17%. Neither Inslee nor McKenna have really been able to break out of the low-40s.

That is interesting... is it because of lack of recognition, possibly?  I know it's still somewhat early in the campaign, but it's odd to see both candidates consistently poll this way.

[MilesC56]

18% undecided?  ...Junk.

PPP had 17% undecideds in their poll out today. My first reaction was to question its credibility, as well, but if you look at the last 5 polls from this race, the average amount of undecideds is about 17%. Neither Inslee nor McKenna have really been able to break out of the low-40s.

That is interesting... is it because of lack of recognition, possibly?  I know it's still somewhat early in the campaign, but it's odd to see both candidates consistently poll this way.

I would think McKenna would have better name rec after being elected statewide twice. PPP said that 63% of their undecideds voted for Obama. Hence, I think the issue is that there are a lot of Democrats who haven't made up their minds; they're open to crossing over to McKenna, but don't know enough about Inslee to make a choice.

[CultureKing]

18% undecided?  ...Junk.

PPP had 17% undecideds in their poll out today. My first reaction was to question its credibility, as well, but if you look at the last 5 polls from this race, the average amount of undecideds is about 17%. Neither Inslee nor McKenna have really been able to break out of the low-40s.

That is interesting... is it because of lack of recognition, possibly?  I know it's still somewhat early in the campaign, but it's odd to see both candidates consistently poll this way.

I would think McKenna would have better name rec after being elected statewide twice. PPP said that 63% of their undecideds voted for Obama. Hence, I think the issue is that there are a lot of Democrats who haven't made up their minds; they're open to crossing over to McKenna, but don't know enough about Inslee to make a choice.

You've hit it on the spot. A lot of democrats don't really care for Inslee, but are unsure whether they would be willing to make the switch to McKenna.

[Fmr. Emperor PiT]

     The pollster itself is more or less garbage. I wouldn't read too much into it.