Fetterman, Shapiro Lead In Early PA Poll

A poll of Pennsylvania voters commissioned by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) has some bad news for Trumpist snake oil-peddling TV doctor Mehmet Oz, running for the Senate against Dem Lt. Gov. John Fetterman:

"The survey’s results show Fetterman with 50 percent support among likely voters to the celebrity physician’s 44 percent. Fetterman also has a slightly smaller lead among likely voters aged 50 and older, 49 percent to 46 percent. 

The lieutenant governor, who suffered a stroke last month, has a significantly higher net favorability rating. He is viewed favorably by 46 percent of voters and unfavorably by 36 percent for a net 10 percent rating. Oz is viewed favorably by 30 percent of voters and unfavorably by 63 percent for a net of negative 33 percent."  (our emphasis)

Recent New Jersey resident Oz had very close knock-down primary fight with plutocrat Dave McCormick for the Rethuglican / Seditious Shooters Party nomination, leaving some Rethuglicans there with hard feelings. That said, a 63 percent unfavorability rating is political poison, and Fetterman should reinforce why Pennsylvanians don't like Oz every day between now and November.

The poll is less positive about what should be a walkover in the Governor's race between the excellent Dem Attorney General Josh Shapiro and far-right goon and election denier Doug Mastriano:

"Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro (D) leads the Republican nominee, state Sen. Doug Mastriano, by 3 points, 49 percent to 46 percent, in the latest poll. Shapiro leads among likely voters aged 50 and older by 1 point, 48 percent to 47 percent. That puts Shapiro’s lead within the margin of error. 

Shapiro’s net favorability is stronger than Mastriano’s, but the difference is closer than in the Fetterman-Oz race. Shapiro is viewed favorably by 47 percent and unfavorably by 34 percent. Mastriano is viewed favorably by 37 percent and unfavorably by 44 percent."  (our emphasis)

One takeaway is that older Pennsylvanians make both races tighter than they should be, as expected. Both Fetterman and Shapiro (and AARP) need to demonstrate how very bad either Oz and particularly Mastriano would be for that demographic, not to mention for the continuation of our democracy.

(photos: left, Keith Srakocic / AP;  right, Matt Rourke / AP)