Dem super-PAC plans ad buy in NY’s 19th district, says polls show Gibson vulnerable
August 21, 2012
A super-PAC supporting Democratic House candidates is targeting freshman Rep. Chris Gibson (R-N.Y.), claiming new internal poll numbers show challenger Julian Schreibman within striking distance.
The numbers were encouraging enough for House Majority PAC, the Democratic group targeting the race, to plan an ad buy for the 19th Congressional District. Although the group would not disclose the size of the buy, The Wall Street Journal reported earlier this month that the group has already raised $1 million for New York congressional races, and hopes to bring in and spend $6 million total on the state by Election Day.
According to the poll, Gibson holds a 47 percent to 35 percent lead — a significant 12-point margin. But Democrats are encouraged that Gibson doesn’t crack 50 percent support, despite his incumbency, and say Schreibman will move up in the polls as voters become more aware of who he is.
The poll also found President Obama leading Mitt Romney by 7 points in the district, showing the voters lean Democratic there.
“After voting to essentially end Medicare, which would force seniors to pay $6,400 more a year for care, Chris Gibson is clearly in for the fight of his political life in this competitive district,” said Andy Stone, spokesman for House Majority PAC.
The poll of the newly drawn 19th congressional district carries a margin of error of 4.9 percent.
Democrats believe New York provides some of the best opportunities for gains in the House, believing that in addition to Gibson, Republican Reps. Michael Grimm, Nan Hayworth and Ann Marie Buerkle are vulnerable in the fall.
But Republicans have also been aggressive in protecting the seats, with House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) fundraising for candidates there earlier this month, and conservative outside groups similarly pledging to spend in the race
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