5 blog reactions to http://www.politico.com/blogs/thecrypt/0308/Poll_Young_Stevens_facing_tough_reelection_bids.html

Steve King and Tom Latham both passed on a 2008 Senate challenge, leaving a GOP Senate primary populated by businessmen Steve Rathje and Christopher Reed and former state rep. George Eichhorn. Alaska: Yet another poll finds Ted Stevens with a favorability rating under 50 percent. Idaho: Republican Rancher Rex Rammell says that he's "leaning toward running as an independent" in the 2008 Senate race to replace Larry Craig. This is a huge development - remember that Rammell has a big bone to pick

on a ticket with immensely popular Gov. Sarah Palin - could be Young's toughest foe this year. Young is under federal investigation for his dealings with the Alaska oil services company Veco Corp., and he has seen his popularity in the state plummet. A new poll of Alaskans by the Hays Research Group found that 55 percent of respondents viewed Young unfavorably, while just 40 percent had a favorable view of him. Young headed back to Alaska early this week to address the state convention, causing him to miss

over his ties to oil services giant VECO Corp. and has spent much of his campaign funds on legal fees. He has denied any wrongdoing. Polling has shown Young would face a serious risk losing his seat if he was the Republican nominee. (See more from the Crypt here.) Young was already facing a primary challenge from conservative state Sen. Gabrielle LeDoux. The state’s primary will be held on August 26.

over his ties to oil services giant VECO Corp. and has spent much of his campaign funds on legal fees. He has denied any wrongdoing. Polling has shown Young would face a serious risk losing his seat if he was the Republican nominee. (See more from the Crypt here.) Young was already facing a primary challenge from conservative state Sen. Gabrielle LeDoux. The state’s primary will be held on August 26.

Stevens, a stalwart in Alaska politics for the last four decades, faces his own re-election problems. The poll showed only 49 percent of voters viewing him favorably — a slight uptick from previous polling — and 46 percent viewing him unfavorably. Continue reading post…