Chet Edwards For Congress

October 12, 2006
Poll: Edwards has Commanding 21-point Lead over Taylor
With just 26 days to go, Edwards’ momentum surging as
major newspaper endorsements roll in

Waco – Entering the final stretch of the race for Congress in Texas’ 17th Congressional District, Congressman Chet Edwards leads opponent Van Taylor by a commanding margin of 21 points. The poll of 400 likely voters shows Edwards at 54% and Taylor at 33% with 12% undecided. The poll was conducted October 9-10 by the respected Washington, DC polling firm of Bennett, Petts and Blumenthal and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.9%.

“Congressman Edwards has consistently led his opponent by a wide margin throughout this campaign,” Edwards campaign pollster Anna Bennett said. “In fact, Congressman Edwards’ lead over Taylor has actually increased since April of this year.”

“Despite a month of negative attack ads from Van Taylor, Taylor has been unable to gain traction, and with four weeks to go until the election, his negative campaign is turning off voters in the 17th District,” Bennett said.

The poll also shows strong underlying numbers for Edwards: 56% of voters have a favorable impression of Edwards, while only 18% have un unfavorable impression. In contrast, only 24% view Taylor favorably, while 29% have an unfavorable view of the challenger. Edwards leads Taylor in all geographic regions of the district.

“This poll is another indication of our strong momentum and that Republicans, Democrats and Independents recognize Chet’s hard work on behalf of the district,” said Edwards campaign spokeswoman Jessica Schafer. “Whether he’s fighting to save the Waco VA Hospital, improve water quality in Lake Waco, bring research funding to Baylor and Texas A&M or improve roads in Johnson and Hood Counties, voters recognize that Chet has been an independent-minded and effective voice in Congress.”

“We fully expect Taylor to ultimately climb above 40% of the vote in this election, but given his low poll numbers at this late date in the campaign, voters should brace themselves for even more petty, personal attacks in the next four weeks,” Schafer said. “Given Taylor’s negative TV ads over the last month and his non-stop attacks in last weekend’s debate, it is apparent that he has given up on trying to convince voters he would make a good congressman and is instead determined to attack Chet at every possible turn.”

On Wednesday, the Dallas Morning News took note of Taylor’s negative campaign as it endorsed Edwards for reelection: “Central Texas stalwart Chet Edwards is being challenged for his seat in Congress this year by a rookie who’s long on cash and slash-and-burn campaigning but short on answers.” Identifying Taylor as “a district newcomer” the editorial board noted that outside money and fundraising help “hasn't helped Mr. Taylor’s grasp of the issues.” The editorial noted that Taylor’s answers were “vague” and raised concerns about Taylor’s credibility.

The Dallas Morning News endorsed Edwards highlighting his “steady, pro-defense record and years of dependable service to constituents” and noting that his “senior position on the House Appropriations Committee gives him muscle in the fight for Waco’s threatened VA center.”

The Fort Worth Star Telegram also endorsed Edwards, writing on Friday, Oct. 6th that, “Chet Edwards brings experience, understanding and the closest thing to statesmanship one can find in Washington these days.” They noted that, “From championing investments in the nation's military infrastructure to voicing concerns about healthcare for veterans, Edwards has been a constant advocate for the country's military personnel.”

Adding to Edwards’ momentum as Election Day nears, the respected Capitol Hill newspaper, Roll Call, which had previously rated the race as a “toss-up” and “Leans Democratic” upgraded its assessment to “Likely Democratic” in their October 10th election preview. Noting “[Taylor’s] campaign doesn’t appear to have gained traction,” Roll Call points out that Edwards defied the odds in 2004 and “should do it again.”

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