A new poll shows independent candidate Greg Orman leading incumbent Republican Sen. Pat Roberts in Kansas by seven percentage points in a race that could complicate the GOP’s quest to re-take control of the Senate.
Mr. Orman leads Mr. Roberts, 41 percent to 34 percent, with six percent opting for Democrat Chad Taylor and four percent choosing Libertarian Randall Batson.
Twenty-nine percent approve of Mr. Roberts’ job performance in the poll from the Democratic firm Public Policy Polling, which used automated telephone and online surveying, while 46 percent disapprove.
Mr. Taylor recently dropped out of the race, but Secretary of State Kris Kobach ordered that his name remain on the ballot in a case now headed to the courts.
The survey, first reported by the Huffington Post, did not tell voters Mr. Taylor had dropped out before asking the question. About six in 10 Taylor supporters said they were aware he had dropped out.
In a would-be head-to-head match-up, Mr. Orman leads Mr. Roberts, 46 percent to 36 percent.
Mr. Orman has not indicated which party he would caucus with if he wins, but Republicans are trying to keep the seat in GOP hands as they look to net the six seats they need this year to swing the Senate back away from Democratic control. Democrats have comparatively fewer opportunities to knock off Republican incumbents this year, and Mr. Orman could end up being a kingmaker if he wins and the 55-45 Democrat-controlled chamber ends up close to split after the midterm elections.
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.
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