WV special election: October 4, 2011 (Primary on May 14)

[Badger]

The election has been set... for October 4.

OK, why not a month later when the regular election for local races is held? Doesn't seem to make sense to pay for 2 elections that close together. 

What's the catch? Or more specifically, who does this odd timing benefit?

[Badger]

The election has been set... for October 4.

OK, why not a month later when the regular election for local races is held? Doesn't seem to make sense to pay for 2 elections that close together.  

What's the catch? Or more specifically, who does this odd timing benefit?

It looks like municipal elections are held in June, not November. As to who it benefits, I would guess the Democrats, since it was Tomblin who had to call the election.

Presumably, but why? Lower turnout benefits Dems who can get union votes out? Since Dems still hold a large registration advantage one would think that getting more irregular voters to the polls in a non-federal race might benefit them as well.

[Badger]

there's a newer one. Tomblin still leads by a big margin, but the election won't be a democratic blowout.

http://publicpolicypolling.blogspot.com/2011/05/tomblin-starts-out-favored.html

That's actually a huge drop from April. With Tomblin down to 45 too. I assume numbers will solidify around this level soon. If not......