Poll: Republican who threatened reporter 19 points ahead

Rep. Michael Grimm (R-N.Y.), who threatened a reporter during an interview earlier this year, holds a 19-point lead over Democratic challenger Domenic Recchia, according to a new poll.

The NY 1 News/Capital New York/Siena College Research poll shows a 53 percent to 34 percent margin among likely voters. That’s up from just a four-point margin during its last poll from less than two months ago.

{mosads}“Early on, this race looked like it was going to be one of the closest in the state – a former Democratic City Council member taking on an embattled incumbent Republican under Federal indictment in a district that is – at least by enrollment – dominated by Democrats,” said Siena College pollster Steven Greenberg. “That no longer seems to be the case, as Grimm has taken a commanding 19-point lead into the final days of the campaign.”

Some perceived that Grimm would be vulnerable after a confrontation with a reporter in a House office building. When a NY1 reporter asked him about allegations about financial misdeeds, Grimm told him “I will break you in half.” That exchange was caught on camera.

Grimm was also indicted on 20 counts including mail fraud and perjury. But the potential opening for Recchia looks much less likely with this new poll.