Pennsylvania likely voters say businessman Tom Wolf, the Democratic challenger for governor, is better than Republican Gov. Tom Corbett on every measure, especially handling the top issues of the economy/jobs and education, and give him an overwhelming 59 – 35 percent lead eight weeks before Election Day, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released Thursday.
Wolf leads 91 – 7 percent among Democrats and 53 – 39 percent among independent voters, while Gov. Corbett has a lackluster 66 – 28 percent lead among Republicans, the independent Quinnipiac University poll finds. This survey of likely voters can not be compared to prior surveys of registered voters.
Among voters who name a candidate, 84 percent say their mind is made up, while 15 percent say they might change their mind.
Corbett is the bigger issue in the campaign, as 51 percent of Wolf backers say their vote is mainly against the incumbent while 39 percent say they are voting mainly for the Democrat.
Among Corbett backers, 62 percent say their vote is mainly pro-Corbett, while 30 percent say they are mainly anti-Wolf.
“A stunningly bad showing for Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett who is clobbered across the board on issues, leadership and other character traits by a candidate who was unknown to most voters earlier this year,” said Tim Malloy, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Poll.
“What’s Tom Corbett's biggest problem? Tom Corbett.”
Pennsylvania likely voters give Wolf a 50 – 22 percent favorability rating, with 26 percent who haven’t heard enough about him to form an opinion. Corbett gets a negative 33 – 55 percent favorability rating.
Looking at the most important issue in the governor’s race, 32 percent of likely voters point to the economy/jobs, with 25 percent listing education, 17 percent citing government spending and 15 percent listing taxes.
Wolf would do a better job than Corbett on any of these issues, voters say:
— 58 – 34 percent on the economy/jobs;
— 61 – 29 percent on education;
— 54 – 38 percent on government spending;
— 50 – 41 percent on taxes.
Wolf also outscores Corbett on character traits as voters say:
— 54 – 21 percent that Wolf is honest and trustworthy, compared to a 43 – 43 percent split for Corbett;
— 58 – 27 percent that Wolf cares about their needs and problems, while voters say 56 – 35 percent that Corbett does not care;
— 61 – 18 percent that Wolf has strong leadership qualities, compared to 50 – 42 percent for Corbett.
“Handling the important issues, honesty, caring, leadership, the Democrat leads on every measure. The Wolf is at the door, and Gov. Corbett is running out of time,” Malloy said.
