State Democrats dismiss results of poll that shows Murkowski in tight race with Miller

Poll shows Murkowski close, Dems dismiss results

JUNEAU, Alaska — A new poll shows Alaska GOP Sen. Lisa Murkowski in a tight race with Republican rival Joe Miller. But critics say there’s reason to doubt the numbers.

The CNN/Time poll asked respondents who they’d be more likely to vote for if the election were held today and the candidates were Miller and Democrat Scott McAdams. Or, it asked respondents, would they write-in Murkowski’s name.

Among 927 likely voters polled, Miller got 38 percent, Murkowski 36 percent and McAdams, 22 percent. The margin of error was plus or minus 3 percentage points.

Murkowski is waging a write-in campaign after losing the primary to Miller. Her name won’t be on the ballot.

State Democrats doubt the results, saying pollsters didn’t simulate a true write-in bid because they mentioned Murkowski by name.