Feingold leads Johnson by nine

Former Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Wis.) would best the man who unseated him in 2010, Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), if the election were held today, according to a new poll.

A survey from Democratic-leaning Public Policy Polling found that Feingold leads Johnson in a hypothetical matchup by 9 points, 50 percent to 41 percent.

{mosads}The only other possible candidate who beat Johnson in a hypothetical matchup was businesswoman Mary Burke, who lost to Gov. Scott Walker last year. She bested Johnson, 46 percent to 45 percent.

Feingold is also the most favorably-viewed politician in the state. Forty-six percent view him favorably, while 35 percent view him unfavorably.

Forty percent disapprove of Johnson’s job performance, while 32 percent approve.

The automated poll had a sample size of 1,071 registered voters and was conducted March 6-8. It had a margin of error of plus-or-minus 3 percent.

The findings come as Feingold considers whether to challenge Johnson for his old seat.

Last month, he left his role as the U.S. envoy to the Great Lakes Region of Africa in what some see as preparation for a Senate run. In his farewell address, he thanked his “once, current, and I hope future chief of staff Mary Irvine” — which was seen as a nod to an upcoming campaign.

Feingold lost to the Tea Party-aligned Johnson in 2010 in a year that saw a strong showing from Republicans overall.