Poll: Democrats hold big leads in Pennsylvania Senate, governor races

Democrats in Pennsylvania are posed for big wins in Senate and governor races, according to a poll released Friday.

The Morning Call/Muhlenberg College poll found that incumbent Senator Bob Casey (D) has the support of 53 percent of likely voters, while his opponent Rep. Lou Barletta (R) only has 35 percent.

Gov. Tom Wolf (D), also an incumbent, commands support from 55 percent of the likely voting pool, while Republican challenger Scott Wagner has 36 percent.

The poll also showed 55 percent of respondents disapproved of President Trump’s job performance, compared to 39 percent who approved in a state that went narrowly for the president in 2016.

{mosads} The director of the Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Polling attributed some of these large leads to a desire among the electorate to counterbalance Trump.

“For Democrats, what’s really resonating is the opposition to Trump,” Chris Borick said. “It’s front of mind.”

The poll also showed 48 percent of respondents indicated that their vote for Congress is meant to signal that Democrats are needed to oppose Trump.

The poll surveyed 404 likely voters between Sept. 13 and 19. The margin of error is 5.5 percent.