McGinn fails to close gap after TV debate in Seattle mayor’s race
Oct 14, 2013, 12:44 PM | Updated: 4:05 pm
A new survey finds Sen. Ed Murray still leads incumbent Mike McGinn by 20 points after two televised debates. (AP image)
(AP image)
Despite a number of public appearances and a strong showing in a televised debate, Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn still trails challenger Sen. Ed Murray by 20 points with three weeks left in their contentious race.
A new poll by King 5 and SurveyUSA, taken after last week’s first televised debate that aired on KIRO Radio 97.3 FM, shows 52 percent of likely voters still favored Murray, while 32 said they would vote for McGinn if the election were held today.
The poll surveyed 557 likely Seattle voters; 15 percent said they were undecided.
The numbers are virtually identical to a similar poll taken last month, which showed Murray at 52 percent and McGinn at 30 percent.
The big question is whether McGinn can do anything to turn the tide. It appears debates won’t do it, based on the numbers and the fact that only 26 percent of those polled said they watched last Wednesday’s debate.
The poll was conducted before Saturday night’s debate.
