Kelly enjoys wide lead among voters who say abortion very important, but that advantage countered somewhat by voters who emphasize immigration. Immigration is 3rd “very important” issue. Among voters saying immigration very important, Masters leads big, helping keep race close.
In the wake of a judge reinstating a law that bans virtually all abortons in AZ, most voters would have abortion be legal in all or most cases; majorities would not criminalize it.
Women, more so than men, say an illegal abortion should not result in a criminal penalty.
Some split within R’s on abortion. Roughly 1/2 wouldn’t penalize a woman for having the abortion, but most favor criminal penalties for a doctor performing an abortion. 57% majority of self-ID’d “MAGA” Republicans would subject a woman having an abortion to criminal penalties.
Most Arizona voters think @SenMarkKelly will support policies to protect abortion access, and most think @bgmasters will support policies to restrict it.
When asked directly about securing the border, more voters think @bgmasters would support policies that make the border more secure than say that about @SenMarkKelly.
Just over half of Arizona voters say #immigration has changed the area where they live at least some in recent years, and a large majority who say so say it’s been for the worse.
As in other battleground states and nationally, the economy and inflation in Arizona are top issues for voters, and the Republican candidates lead among voters who call these issues very important.
WHAT ABOUT THE PRESIDENT? More Arizona voters say their Senate vote is to oppose @POTUS Biden than to support him. His approval rating here among registered voters is 39% — lower than his most recent national number.
WHAT ABOUT ELECTION DENIALISM? Little resonance: fewer than 1 in 5 Arizona voters want their elected officials to say @POTUS Biden isn’t legitimate 2020 winner.
Many don’t care either way, though. Moreover, the 2020 election isn’t anywhere near the top issues.
Election denialism might still be a key test among some in GOP base. For Republicans to whom an officials’ stance matters, denialism still more of the draw than acceptance: by a 4-to-1 ratio, they’d prefer officials who said Biden didn’t legitimately win to one who said he did.
KATIE VS KARI: The Arizona governor’s race is even, according to @cbsnewspoll:
When asked whether each of the four statewide candidates’ positions were “mainstream” or “extreme,” @KariLake is viewed as extreme by slightly fewer Arizona voters than @bgmasters is - though both are more likely to be seen as extreme than their Democratic opponents.
FROM NEW @CBSNewsPoll: an increased number of voters, including many Democrats, don't think @JoeBiden should be running for president at all. Nearly half his party doesn't think he should now be the nominee. cbsnews.com/news/poll-deba…
Look how the number changed in a month and a half…
Notably, @realDonaldTrump’s cognitive health also doubted by about half the country…
NEW FROM @cbsnewspoll: The economy's long, hot, and uncertain summer … and tough news for @POTUS Biden on how he’s handling it https://t.co/HHWdbrIT90cbsnews.com/news/economy-o…
Have you heard about “Bidenomics?” Not many have, and if they have, it’s not necessarily for reasons the White House would want: “Higher Inflation” “Tax Increases” lead infrastructure and job creation.
BIDEN APPROVAL: @POTUS slips to 40% overall, his worst from @CBSNewsPoll. On the economy, barely a third approve of his handling.
What do Americans want to hear about? The economy and inflation. Lowering the latter is a high priority for so many. Immigration is especially important to Republicans who plan to watch, Democrats are more interested in hearing about addressing racism and climate change.
Democrats are far more likely to say they'll watch the #StateOfTheUnionAddress. Most who say they're very likely to watch already approve of his job performance.
JUST IN: The private home of the President of the United States was searched by the Justice Department on Friday, according to @POTUS Biden’s personal attorney. DOJ“took possession of materials it deemed within the scope of its inquiry.”
Here’s the full statement from Bob Bauer, noting that DOJ “took possession of materials it deemed within the scope of its inquiry, including six items consisting of documents with classification markings and surrounding materials.”
A separate statement from the White House Counsel’s Office notes “Neither the President nor the First Lady were present during the search. The President’s lawyers and White House Counsel’s Office will continue to cooperate with DOJ and the Special Counsel…”
NEW: The consumer price index climbed 0.4% for the month. For the year, inflation was up 8.2% in September, down from the June peak of 9% but still on par with high peaks not seen since the 1980s.
ALSO NEW: Amid increasing prices, @SocialSecurity announces an 8.7% increase in benefits payments next year. That's expected to increase monthly checks by an average of about $150 per month. Notable: Biggest increase ever experienced by baby boomer seniors.
WATCH: @SocialSecurity payments jumping big time next year amid ongoing inflation.
THERE IS A DEAL: @POTUS Biden announces a deal between railroad companies and unions to avoid a national strike: “These rail workers will get better pay, improved working conditions, and peace of mind around their health care costs: all hard-earned.”
MORE: The deal follows 20 consecutive hours of face-to-face negotiations to lock up a deal, according to federal officials.
We are expecting to learn more about how the deal came together later today… but Labor @SecMartyWalsh played a big role in sealing the final tentative agreement: