Not Very Many People Like Tom Latham

From a press release from the Spencer Campaign...

Latham Re-elect Support at 35%

Ames – The Spencer for Congress campaign today released poll numbers which show Dr. Selden Spencer, who entered the race in March of this year, gaining ground fast on five-term incumbent Congressman Tom Latham.

“In March, Dr. Spencer entered this race as a relatively unknown physician from Huxley who was outraged by Tom Latham’s rubberstamping of his party’s leadership and supporting oil and gas companies instead of Iowa’s hard working families,” said Kim Pieper, Campaign Manager. “Tom Latham has lost touch with ordinary Iowans and voters recognize it. Selden Spencer is nipping at his heels.”

The poll, conducted September 15-18, 2006 by Momentum Analysis, asked voters without mentioning Latham’s opponent whether or not they would support his re-election and a shockingly low 35 percent say they will re-elect Congressman Latham, with a fifth (21%) saying they will replace him, and fewer (17%) suggesting they might simply “consider another.” Over a quarter (28%) aren’t sure what they will do, suggesting that Latham is one of the most vulnerable Republicans in the country.

In a head-to-head match up with Democratic challenger Selden Spencer, Tom Latham was unable to garner a majority. He leads Spencer 48 percent to 37 percent, while 16 percent remain undecided. The research poll has a margin of error of +/-4.9%.

This definitely doesn't make Spencer the favorite for the race, but it does show that Latham can be beat. Since Spencer is new to politics, he is battling name recognition. If Spencer can get his name out there, Latham can be beat. It will surely be closer than many people thought it would be.

Check out the Spencer Campaign's new website!