Power Poll picks O'Connell to win Nashville mayor's race

• O'Connell was backed by 62% of Power Poll members compared to 28% for Rolli, a former Republican political strategist and businessperson.
• Members were also asked who they think will win the Sept. 14 runoff. O'Connell was picked as the likely winner by 80% of those surveyed, compared to 10% for Rolli.
• Nashville journalism veteran Bruce Dobie, who curates the poll, gave Axios Nashville a sneak peek of the most recent results.

Why it matters: The poll results show that O'Connell starts the runoff election with the support of Nashville's political influencers. Rolli is the clear underdog.

Flashback: The Power Poll wasn't particularly bullish on O'Connell's or Rolli's chances earlier in the election process. In February after Mayor John Cooper announced he wouldn't run for re-election, just 3.29% of those surveyed said O'Connell had the best chance to be the next mayor.

• Just 1.2% thought Rolli had the best chance.
• Matt Wiltshire was the candidate Power Poll members earmarked for victory.
• In the final poll before last week's election, 51% of Power Poll members thought Wiltshire would finish first. He finished third.