Aug 23, 2017

Moore dominating Strange in Alabama Senate polling

Roy Moore, a former Alabama chief justice, has 50.3% support compared to incumbent Sen. Luther Strange's 32.2%, per a Decision Desk HQ/Opinion Savvy poll.

Moore's 18-point lead comes one month before the September 26th primary runoff that will decide the Republican nominee to replace Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

Data: Decision Desk HQ/Opinion Savvy Poll of likely voters, Aug. 22, 2017; Chart: Andrew Witherspoon
Data: Decision Desk HQ/Opinion Savvy Poll of likely voters, Aug. 22, 2017; Chart: Andrew Witherspoon

Why it matters: Strange has strong endorsements from both President Trump and Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, but Moore is the Trumpian candidate, whose campaign ad's say he'll "drain the swamp." Polling indicates that the president's populist message, rather than his explicit endorsement, resonates with his base. As recently as December 2016, Moore said there was "a big question" about President Obama's citizenship, reigniting the disproved "birther" debate.

One Trump thing: 68.6% of voters polled say they "strongly approve" of Trump's performance.

Polling data, including methodology, here.

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