KANSAS CITY, Mo. — It didn’t take long. One day after 33-year-old Democrat Secretary of State Jason Kander announced he’ll take on Republican one-term U.S. Senator Roy Blunt, a new poll is out showing he has an uphill climb; at least an early one.
Remington Research Group conducted the poll in the hours after Kander’s announcement on Thursday, February 19. It shows that the Army veteran trails the Republican incumbent by 13 points. Blunt polls at 49%, Kander at 36%, with 14% undecided. The poll of 957 likely voters is weighted to match expected turnout demographics for the 2016 General Election and has a margin of error of +/- 3.2%
Kander is the only Democrat to announce so far. Blunt hasn’t formally announced, but is expected to see a second senate term.
In the survey, conducted for Missouri Scout, a political newsletter, Blunt has a 39% favorability rating, while Kander comes in at 26%. But fully 54% of the likely voters have no opinion of Kander, meaning he has room to develop his image as he campaigns and becomes better known.
The poll also shows an uphill battle for presumed presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. The Democrat trails three Republican opponents in hypothetical match ups in Missouri. If it’s another Bush-Clinton match up (Jeb versus Hillary), the former Florida governor outpolls the former First Lady 50% to 40% with 10% undecided.
Mrs. Clinton also trails both Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker and Kentucky U.S. Senator Rand Paul in Missouri by five points.