Long campaign releases poll showing tie with Rep. Herrera Beutler

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A new poll shows 3rd Congressional District candidate Carolyn Long is closing the gap between herself and incumbent Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Battle Ground. The poll found at this point voters are equally split between the two candidates.

The poll, conducted by Lake Research Partners, surveyed 500 voters last week amid GOP backlash surrounding White House policy to separate children from their parents at the border. It found when prefaced with a positive introduction of both candidates, 43 percent of voters would pick Long and 43 percent would vote for Herrera Beutler.

An initial ballot, taken without any preface, showed 37 percent of voters selecting Long and 42 percent selecting Herrera Beutler.

The gap between the two candidates is closing. The same survey taken in March showed only 29 percent of voters would pick Long over Herrera Beutler. Although when that question was prefaced by a positive profile of the candidates the numbers changes to 41 and 49 percent respectively. The gap here has moved less than the initial ballot survey.

The poll also asked participants about Herrera Beutler’s performance. Only 37 percent were supportive of her performance as their representative.

“Southwest Washingtonians are tired of being neglected and not having any representation in Congress. They are hungry for change — for true independent leadership, for someone to be accountable to them — not to party leadership, and not to President Trump,” Long said in a press release.

It’s worth noting this poll and the previous poll did not include all candidates for the position, of which there are now eight all told.

I reached out to Herrera Beutler’s campaign for comment. I’ll update with their response.

UPDATE June 21: Here’s a response from Herrera Beutler’s Communications Director Angeline Riesterer.

“Even Democratic polls agree — Jaime is winning re-election in Southwest Washington’s 3rd congressional district. But that outcome is consistent with the good work, results and service Jaime has provided for citizens across this region.”