Republican congressman Paul Broun is leading a field of five Senate candidates in Georgia, a new poll has found. Broun has 27 percent of the GOP primary vote, according to a poll commissioned by liberal group Better Georgia. Broun’s competitors came in relatively far behind, with fellow congressman Phil Gingrey in second with 14 percent, congressman Jack Kingston with 13 percent, and businessman David Perdue with 12 percent. Former secretary of state Karen Handel registered 9 percent support.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has more on the poll, which was conducted by Democratic polling firm PPP:
The poll involved 580 voters surveyed between March 5-6. Roughly half of the respondents said they generally vote in GOP primaries and 41 percent vote in Democratic contests. Some 49 percent favored Mitt Romney in 2012, compared to 43 percent who backed Barack Obama.
The candidates are all vying for the seat being vacated by retiring Republican Saxby Chambliss. Democrats consider the seat a potential opportunity for a pick-up in a red state, and some Georgia donors say Broun’s nomination would shift traditional business-community dollars to the Democrat, Michelle Nunn:
Nunn is the daughter of former senator Sam Nunn, who remains well regarded in Georgia.
