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Readshaw Poll: Readshaw 64% Molchany 16% in HD-36

hd-36

An internal poll from Rep. Harry Readshaw’s (D-Allegheny) campaign shows him with a 48 point lead over his primary opponent, fellow Rep. Erin Molchany (D-Allegheny).

The poll commissioned from San Francisco-based Tulchin Research found Readshaw with 64% to Molchany’s 16%.

“Readshaw’s solid base of support in his old district which makes up most of the new district makes him the overwhelming frontrunner in the Democratic primary for this heavily Democratic seat,” wrote pollsters Ben Tulchin and Corey O’Neil.

HD-36 comprises South Pittsburgh and a few neighboring communities . It includes some of Molchany’s voters but after redistricting it remains mostly Readshaw territory.

Readshaw led by 71 points among Democrats from his portion of the district: 76% to 5%.

Molchany, who is serving her first term, is not nearly as well-known in the new district.

According to the pollster, 77% of Dems in the district are familiar with Readshaw. 58% have a favorable opinion of him compared to 3% with a negative opinion. He’s represented the 36th House District since 1995.

Just 25% of likely Democratic voters in the new district knew of Molchany, the pollster said. 11% view her favorably and 4% hold a negative view of her.

Tulchin Research polled 295 registered Democrats via landline and cell phones from March 2 to 5, 2014. The margin of error is plus or minus 5.65 percent.

As with any internal poll, the results should be taken with a grain of salt. As was the case with this survey, campaigns typically release limited results from internal polls. Further, the sample size is on the small side. According to individuals who were polled, positives and negatives of the candidates were read before the all-important horserace question, which can affect responses.

Molchany campaign manager Jacob Redfern dismissed the poll totally.

“After a small sample of voters heard positive messages about Readshaw and attacks on Representative Molchany, it is no surprise that his campaign was able to come up with favorable numbers,” he blasted.

PoliticsPA is seeking a full copy of the survey along with crosstabs.

“In contrast to the attacks from Readshaw’s poll, Representative Molchany is running a positive campaign about the issues that matter to South Pittsburgh, such as ensuring our students have the tools they need to succeed and attracting 21st jobs to our region.”

Molchany has the backing of newly elected Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto along with Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and their political coalition.

That said, Molchany undoubtedly has an uphill climb in the district – something that was driven home Sunday when Readshaw won the Allegheny County Democratic Committee endorsement 76 votes to 24. He also enjoys support from traditional Democratic influencers such as trades unions.

Molchany has the backing of newly elected Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto along with Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and their political coalition.

4 Responses

  1. @Todd and paulyb: I was about to ask the same thing. Though, it looks like even in the four or so races they have jumped into in the city, the only one they could possibly win is the gubernatorial.

  2. paulyb:

    Do you think that Fitzgerald and Peduto only have their noses in two races? Haha.

  3. Doubtful this bears any resemblance to the reality of this race, but who doesn’t like a nice work of fiction on a Tuesday morning!?

  4. doesn’t look like fitzgerald and peduto have any influence in this race. then again this is the south hills not the east end.maybe people are getting tired of the bully effect. they maybe 0 for 2 this election cycle.

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