Barrett Is Within Three Points Of Walker, Who Is Under The Critical 50% Mark

[WillyT]

10. AND !!! - 'Scott Walker Recall: Dem's Internal Poll Shows Dead Heat, Growing Awareness Of 'John Doe'

Scott Walker Recall: Dem's Internal Poll Shows Dead Heat, Growing Awareness Of 'John Doe' Probe
Amanda Terkel - HuffPo
Posted: 05/25/2012 12:50 pm Updated: 05/25/2012 2:54 pm

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WASHINGTON -- The Wisconsin gubernatorial recall race is now a dead heat as voters have learned more about the corruption probe surrounding Gov. Scott Walker (R), according to a new internal poll for the campaign of Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett (D).

In a survey of 935 likely recall voters, conducted by the Garin Hart Yang Research Group from May 22 to 24, Walker led Barrett by 49.89 to 48.62 percent. With the poll's margin of error at plus or minus 3.3 percent, that means the race is essentially tied.

Wisconsin Democrats have been hammering Walker in recent days over the "John Doe" investigation of his time as Milwaukee county executive, which has already ensnared several former staffers. The probe by the Milwaukee County district attorney's office is reportedly focusing on whether staffers who worked for Walker did political work on the taxpayers' dime. In March, Walker set up a legal defense fund.

Likely voters in the Yang survey were asked, "Have you heard or read anything about the John Doe investigation that has led to charges against several former aides or associates of Scott Walker, while he was Milwaukee county executive?" This question came well after the question about which candidate they preferred.

Voters who had heard about the John Doe probe preferred Barrett by 52 to 46 percent. Public awareness of the criminal investigation is also increasing: 25 percent of respondents on Wednesday night said they had heard "a lot" about it, while 37 percent said the same on Thursday night.

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More: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/25/scott-walker-recall-poll-tom-barrett-tie_n_1545775.html