A.G. Gancarski
A new Survey Monkey poll of voters in Congressional District 5 reveals how Al Lawson intends to unseat Democratic incumbent Rep. Corrine Brown.
The poll starts off innocuously, with standard “Who are you more likely to vote for?” and “Do you have a favorable or unfavorable impression of Al Lawson?” questions.
Then the survey moves into more compelling territory.
The next two questions seem designed for the Blue Dog Democrats Lawson will need to win.
“How important is it to you that your representative be able to work with both political parties?”
“Would you be more or less likely to support a candidate who actively opposes the candidacy of Donald Trump?”
The first question aligns with Lawson’s vows on the campaign trail to work with Republicans, as he did in Tallahassee.
The last question suggests there may be a candidate in the CD 5 race who does not actively oppose Trump — and that candidate would not be Rep. Brown.
Following those, a question that frames Brown’s opponent favorably: “Lawson is the only candidate in the race who is a member of the Jacksonville Black Chamber of Commerce. Knowing this, would you be more or less likely to vote for him?”
Then, a question that frames Brown in the context of her 22 federal charges related to her “One Door for Education” charity.
“Widely reported in July, Brown was indicted on 22 federal counts of fraud. This is just the latest example of Brown shamefully abusing her position for personal gain. Knowing this, would you be more or less likely to vote for Corrine Brown?”
Will any of this material make its way into Lawson’s messaging against Brown in August?
The topography of the race thus far, is that Brown has traction in Duval County; but west of the county line, Lawson is the preferred candidate.
Lawson is winning the fundraising battle in the CD 5 race, with individual contributions predominating in his receipts. Brown is raising some money, but much of it comes from PACs and current colleagues on Capitol Hill.
Time was when Corrine Brown appeared at Al Lawson fundraisers. Prediction: that’s not happening again.
