Tolbert: Internal Poll Shows 8-Point Lead For Asa

A new internal poll commissioned by the Asa Hutchinson for Governor Campaign last week shows an 8-point lead for Asa over Ross.  The poll was conducted by Republican pollster OnMessage Inc. from March 11-13, 2014 surveying 600 likely voters statewide.  The key finding showed respondents preferring…

44% Asa Hutchinson
36% Mike Ross
15% Undecided

“What is interesting to note is that despite their campaign spending, Ross is struggling to gain support from outside of his Democrat base as Asa is currently winning independents by a sizable 16-point margin (42% to 26%), notes Wes Anderson with OnMessage. “Also worth noting is the geographical makeup of Asa’s support. Not only do we hold a significant lead in all four of the state’s U.S. Congressional districts, but we are also in a dead heat with Ross in the Democrat stronghold of Pulaski County. All of this indicates a very favorable pathway forward.”

The poll was sent internally by Jon Gilmore from the Asa campaign and leaked to The Tolbert Report by a supporter.

“If you didn’t already know, we released our financial reports for February and again out-raised Congressman Ross for the second month in a row,” wrote Gilmore in the email. “We reported receipts of nearly $167,000 leaving us with over $1.3 million dollars cash on hand. This brings our total amount raised to $1.85 million dollars since the campaign began over one year ago. We must continue to compete in fundraising and your continued support is appreciated.”

The Ross campaign’s latest filings show that they raised $140,558 in February, while spending $103,296 bringing their overall cash balance to $1.9 million.

In addition to the Asa campaign itself gaining ground, the campaign continues to enjoy the support of the Republican Governors Association, which has already spent $800,000 with ads and is poised to continue to target Arkansas as a pick-up through November.