Tuesday, July 01, 2008

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There are no surprises in the latest numbers from the Senate election in Massachusetts. The newest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey in the state finds incumbent John Kerry well ahead of Republican Jeff Beatty, 58% to 27% in his bid for re-election.

Last month, Kerry led Beatty 63% to 25% in the Bay State. He also led Republican Jim Ogonowski, who has since left the race, 63% to 29%. Ogonowski failed by a narrow margin to collect enough signatures to qualify for the Republican primary ballot, leaving Beatty unopposed for the nomination.

The former Presidential candidate is viewed favorably by 60% of Massachusetts voters, up from 54% last month. He is viewed unfavorably by 39%, up from 32% in June. Beatty is less known to voters. His numbers are 25% favorable, 30% unfavorable, and 44% have no opinion. Those numbers have changed little over the past month.

Rasmussen Markets data shows that Kerry is given a % chance of winning re-election in November. These figures are updated on a 24/7 basis by market participants.

Overall, prospects are very good for Democrats in Senate races this fall. Many Republican Senate seats are potentially in play for Democrats including seats in Alaska, New Hampshire, Oregon, New Mexico, Colorado, Mississippi, Minnesota, Virginia, and Kentucky.

Only two states feature races with potentially vulnerable Democrats—Louisiana and New Jersey.

Governor Deval Patrick earns good or excellent ratings from 40% of Massachusetts voters, up from 36% last month. Twenty-one percent (21%) give him a poor rating, down from 23% last month.

In the Presidential race, Barack Obama is well ahead of John McCain in the historically blue state.

See survey questions and toplines. Crosstabs available for Premium Members only.