CO: Poll Shows That Bennet is Still Largely Unknown

Here's the results from the latest PPP poll, which pitted newly appointed Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO) against two Republican rivals: former Gov. Bill Owens and former Rep. Tom Tancredo.

Bennet--41%
Owens--44%

Bennet--48%
Tancredo--39%

Although Bennet doesn't do so hot in this poll, you have to take into account the fact that nearly half of Colorado voters (45%) don't know enough about him to form an opinion of him, so we really shouldn't take the results of this poll too seriously.

Nevertheless, it seems like Owens is the GOP's best shot of unseating Bennet--but Owens has backed down from running for statewide office the last two election cycles, and is considered unlikely to run.

This poll confirmed the fact that Tancredo--despite his high profile--would be a very weak general election candidate. Bennet's numbers shot up from 41% to 48% when pitted against Tancredo, a clear sign that Colorado voters already hold a negative opinion of him and would reject him in the general election.

The poll did not pit Bennet against former US Attorney Troy Eid, who could potentially be a strong contender.

The two other frequently mentioned names on the Republican side, state Attorney Gen. John Suthers and former Rep. Scott McInnis, took themselves out of the running yesterday.

To sum up:

The bottom line? Bennet has a lot of work to do to introduce himself to the voters of the state. But overall the state's blueward trend makes it appear he is in a strong position for reelection, and the GOP will really have to recruit a top tier challenger to knock him off.