A new poll from Public Policy Polling shows disgraced Sen. David Vitter (R) remains unpopular but could win his reelection bid.
Just 38% of voters in the state say Vitter deserves to be reelected with 47% saying it’s time to give someone else a chance. That’s partly a reflection on Vitter, and partly indicative of the general anti-incumbent mood across the country right now.
Vitter will likely face Rep. Charlie Melancon (D) in the general election. Melancon’s numbers, at first, look weak.
Vitter: 44%
Melancon: 32%
A generic Democrat actually polls better than Melancon.
Vitter: 44%
Generic Democrat: 38%
But Melancon has more strength than it appears. Many voters, 42%, still don’t know enough about him to have an informed opinion. Melancon, a conservative Blue Dog, will poll better once voters know more about him. Additionally, when an incumbent sits below 50%, he isn’t safe. Vitter remains unpopular even though it has now been two years since his prostitution scandal. This race is a tossup.