Poll: Isakson enjoys lead over Thurmond for Senate seat

When Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond formally announced his bid for Sen. Johnny Isakson’s seat on Wednesday, political observers — ourselves included — said he’d be a formidable opponent. But they also said he’d face an uphill battle trying to chip away at the Republican’s name recognition, sizable warchest and strong voter support. A Rasmussen poll released today gives a snapshot of what Thurmond is up against.

Fifty-one percent (51%) of likely voters in the state favor Isakson in a match-up with State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond who earns 35% support. Six percent (6%) prefer some other candidate in the race, and eight percent (8%) remain undecided. ...

Voters not affiliated with either major party favor the Republican nearly three-to-one.

While that might sound grim to die-hard Thurmond supporters, keep in mind that the poll was conducted the day after the labor commissioner entered the race. Rasmussen has more election-related poll results based on job approval and demographics. You can check ‘em out here.

One interesting stat they gleaned while conducting the telephone survey of 500 likely voters: A quarter of those queried said that those who oppose President Obama’s could resort to violence. And 41 percent are “at least somewhat concerned.”