MD Senate: Steele Memo Cites Dead Heat Poll
December 15, 2005 · 10:34 AM EST
The campaign of Lt. Gov. Michael Steele (R) is circulating a memo to supporters that asserts that a “recent poll of 600 likely Maryland voters,” shows Steele and Representative Ben Cardin (D) deadlocked at 46%, while Steele holds a narrow 48%-44% lead over former Representative Kweisi Mfume (D) in the Maryland Senate race. The memo does not include ballot tests against Democrats professor Allan Lichtman, forensic psychiatrist Lise Van Susteren or developer Josh Rales.
The memo thanks supporters for their “hard work,” but it also takes a shot at what it calls Democratic “dirty tricks” against Steele that have “backfired.”
An October 27-November 1 Potomac Survey Research poll for the Baltimore Sun showed Cardin leading Steele 41%-32% and Steele leading Mfume 39%-37%.
The last Republican elected to the Senate from Maryland was Charles McC. Mathias, in 1980.
We continue to regard the race as quite competitive but give the Democrats the edge to hold the open seat.