Mitchell overcomes Hayworth's advantage

The latest SurveyUSA poll says Mitchell and Hayworth are now neck-and-neck, within the margin of error!

From Political Wire:

In Arizona's 5th congressional district, a new SurveyUSA poll finds Rep. J.D. Hayworth in a tough fight against challenger Harry Mitchell (D) and clings to a 48% to 45% lead.

Since an identical SurveyUSA KPNX-TV poll released 9/18/06, Hayworth has lost 4 points and Mitchell has gained 5 points. Hayworth had led by 12 points, now leads by 3.

Key finding: "In the past 4 weeks, the composition of likely voters in AZ-5 has changed from 52% Republican to 48% Republican."

You know, given all the slime Hayworth has tried to sling at Mitchell in this race, including the quarter million dollars in NRCC attack ads against Mitchell, Mitchell's strength is a testimony to the power of integrity and positive results.

Given the huge Republican voter advantage in CD-5, this poll essentially means that many Republicans are growing disillusioned with the bombastic demagoguery and misleading statements of JD Hayworth and are crossing the line to support Harry Mitchell as the better man.

Of course, it's still an uphill climb, and the Republican get-out-the-vote machine is very powerful. But we're starting to see a real transformation in the attitude toward this now very competitive race among Arizonans in CD-5.

Just goes to show you can't keep a good man down: please vote for Harry Mitchell.

Update: Next Mitchell-Hayworth debate to be in Scottsdale on Oct. 23.