First Nebraska Senate Poll Shows Johanns Slipping

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 18, 2008

Support for Mike Johanns has eroded significantly, according to the first public polling of Nebraska’s 2008 Senate contest. Rasmussen Reports reveals that voters across Nebraska want change.

Kleeb surges out of primary

Voters hold a very favorable view of Scott Kleeb on the heels of his hotly contested primary. The teacher and former ranch hand will further strengthen that position as he consolidates Democratic voters in the weeks ahead. Kleeb will have help from his primary opponent, Tony Raimondo, who has endorsed Kleeb in the general election.

The poll also finds that Kleeb already runs even with Johanns among Independent voters. These voters have known Johanns for over 20 years and have just begun to look at Kleeb. National pollster Celinda Lake remarked:

"Lesser-known candidates rarely earn 50% of the Independent vote this early. For Scott Kleeb to do so well against a career politician like Mike Johanns demonstrates Scott's instant appeal to moderate, independent-minded Nebraskans. This is a remarkable show of strength from Kleeb."

Campaign Manager Jeff Jacobs summarized Kleeb's position with five and a half months remaining:

"Voters across Nebraska want change. Scott Kleeb is the clear choice to bring honesty, personal responsibility, and common sense Nebraska values to Washington. As Scott continues to meet and connect with folks in every corner of the state, he will close this gap. Mike Johanns' negative attacks on Primary Night reveal that he knows it, too."

Washington ties cost Johanns 15 points

Mike Johanns has lost the support of nearly 15% of Nebraskans since his last Election.

In 2002, Mike Johanns won re-election with 69% of the vote. After years of failure in the Bush Administration - which remains deeply unpopular in Nebraska - voters know that they cannot count on like Johanns for change. Finally, 77% of Nebraskans say the nation is on the wrong track, underscoring Kleeb's ability to grow his support with a clear call for change in the coming months.

The full report is available online at www.RasmussenReports.com.