Turning to the contest to succeed retiring Republican U.S. Senator Dan Coats, former senator Evan Bayh and Congressman Todd Young are tied at 45% for Bayh and 45% for Young. Libertarian Lucy Brenton garners 4% of the vote. Bayh had held a steady 6 to 7 point lead in prior Monmouth polls – 48% to 42% in mid-October and 48% to 41% in August.
“Attacks on Bayh’s out of state activities have certainly led to this shift, but renewed strength at the top of the ticket is providing a crucial assist for Young,” said Murray.
Clinton voters are more likely to stick with the Democrat in the U.S. Senate race than Trump voters are to back the Republican. Fully 90% of Clinton voters say they will support Bayh – basically unchanged from 87% in mid-October – while only 79% of Trump voters will back Young – similar to 74% earlier this month.
The poll finds that negative ratings of both candidates have crept up in the past two weeks, with Bayh feeling the bigger net negative effect. Currently, 38% of Indiana voters have a favorable opinion of Bayh and 32% hold an unfavorable view. He had a somewhat better 40% favorable to 26% unfavorable rating in mid-October and an even better 46% favorable to 19% unfavorable rating in August.
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