Sen. Claire McCaskill (AP Photo via DayLife)
— U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, D., has a tough reelection fight this year, and, according to a new poll by Public Policy Polling, all three of her challengers are equally competitive against her.
The latest numbers, issued by the independent, Democratic-leaning polling firm, show McCaskill tied in head to head match ups against Republicans U.S. Rep. Todd Akin, St. Louis businessman John Brunner, and former State Treasurer Sarah Steelman.
“Claire McCaskill’s definitely one of the most vulnerable incumbents in the country,” said Dean Debnam, president of Public Policy Polling. “This is looking like a toss up race much like the one McCaskill had when she was first elected in 2006.”
Debnam said McCaskill is aided by an enthusiasm gap between Republican voters and the GOP field. Favorable ratings for the three candidates cap at 22 percent.
Brunner, who has ran nearly $700,000 in television ads, saw the biggest gains in the poll, jumping nine points since PPP’s last survey in late September.
In the same four months, facing negative television ads from Brunner and outside groups like American Crossroads, McCaskill’s approval rating has dropped one point to 42 percent.
PPP said they polled 582 Missourians last weekend.
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