Ryan Ray
Amid recent press about State House candidate Mike Davis’ fundraising advantage over Republican primary opponent Cyndi Stevenson, Stevenson’s polling firm American Public Dialogue has released internal survey data on her behalf and an insistent message that she remains the favorite in the race.
According to APD President John Libby, Stevenson holds a distinct advantage being an incumbent St. Johns County Commissioner, allowing her “a substantial lead in the Special Election for House District 17. Among those who have expressed a preference, she leads her closest opponent with 53% , Davis receiving 38% and [Republican Jack] Capra 7%. Stevenson leads in four of the five Commission Districts and is tied with Davis in the fifth, where he lives. All or parts of the five St. Johns County Commission Districts are in House District 17.”
The memorandum states that from a series of phone interviews with 401 likely registered voters the firm can conclude that “Were the election were held today, Stevenson would prevail,” noting that recent negative advertising on Davis’ part has failed to move the needle.
“Mike Davis and groups supporting him, have mailed at least five pieces to date and have had a targeted television buy compared to one mail piece for Stevenson and Capra. While Davis has seen an increase in name recognition and support he still trails. The attacks on Stevenson’s record have had no discernable [sic] impact on her support or favorability.”
The special election to replace outgoing Ponte Vedra Rep. Ronald “Doc” Renuart as the Republican standard-bearer in District 17 was precipitated by Renuart vacating the seat to pursue the Senate seat of John Thrasher, who in turn resigned to become president of Florida State University.
The special primary will take place on January 27. The winner will go on to run virtually unopposed in an April 7 general election.
