A new KING 5 poll finds Republican gubernatorial candidate Rob McKenna leading Democrat Jay Inslee, and scoring better on two key issues--the state budget and education.
In a poll of 617 registered voters statewide, conducted on landlines and cell phones, 46% told SurveyUSA they would vote for McKenna, while 43% said they would support Inslee. A couple months ago, McKenna's lead over Inslee was six points. The poll has a margin of +/- 4%.
McKenna, Inslee on the issues
When asked about specific issues, voters in the poll expressed more confidence in McKenna on managing the state budget--44% say the attorney general would do a better job than 35% for Congressman Inslee. And on education, McKenna leads as well (40% to 35% for Inslee).
However, Inslee does better if voters make their decisions on social issues and the environment. In the poll, 43% say Inslee better reflects their position on social issues, compared to 40% for McKenna. And on the environment, a hallmark issue for Inslee, he has a double-digit advantage with 45% saying Inslee would be stronger than McKenna, whom 30% felt would be better for the environment.
Breaking down the support
Our poll finds McKenna doing better in keeping his core supporters--91% of Republicans say they'll support McKenna, while 83% of Democrats say they'll vote for Inslee. Meanwhile, independents, always a key group in our state, give McKenna a 6-point lead (44% to 38%). In the geographic battle, it's a virtual tie in the Puget Sound region (King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties) with Inslee getting 44%, McKenna 45%.
In the KING 5 poll, 11 percent are undecided in the governor's race. And even among voters who told SurveyUSA they would vote for either McKenna or Inslee, 65% say they've made up their minds while 31% say they could still change their minds.
