Dem Poll: Begich in tight race in Alaska

Sen. Mark Begich (D-Alaska) has narrow leads over his likely GOP opponents, according to a new poll from the Democratic firm Public Policy Polling.

Begich leads former Alaska Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Dan Sullivan (R) by 41 percent to 37 percent. That expands to a 43 percent to 37 percent lead over Alaska Lieutenant Gov. Mead Treadwell (R).

{mosads}If 2010 Senate nominee Joe Miller (R) somehow gets the nod this time, the race is basically over — Begich leads him by 45 percent to 25 percent.

Begich has so-so approval ratings in the heavily Republican state, with 43 percent approving and 44 percent disapproving of his job peformance.

President Obama is clearly dragging down his chances at reelection, however. Obama has just a 35 percent approval rating in Alaska, with 58 percent disapproving.

Begich is a top GOP target.

The automated telephone poll of 850 Alaska voters, with an internet oversample, was conducted on Jan. 31 and Feb 1.