Two Polls Show Unexpectedly Close Races

Two surveys, one from Rasmussen and one from Research 2000, show two closer-than-expected senate races in Wisconsin and Kentucky, respectively.

In Wisconsin, it seemed as though Sen. Russ Feingold (D) would get a relatively free ride for re-election after former Gov. Tommy Thompson decided not to run. But the new Rasmussen poll shows Feingold leading wealthy businessman Ron Johnson (R) 46% to 44%.

Johnson has emerged as the likely Republican nominee after two of his competitors dropped out of the race last week when the state GOP endorsed Johnson at their convention. His only remaining primary opponent is little-known businessman Dave Westlake (R).

In Kentucky, a new Research 2000 poll shows Attorney General Jack Conway (D) within striking distance of Rand Paul. The polls finds Paul leading Conway 44% to 41%.

This result stands in stark contrast with a Rasmussen poll from last week which had Paul up by 25.


UPDATE: FiveThirtyEight.com's Nate Silver has some serious bones to pick with the Wisconsin Rasmussen poll. It's worth a look.