Mary Norwood increases her lead in ATL race for mayor
We started this week by telling you of a private poll that showed Councilwoman Mary Norwood doing better than many people thought – and within reach of winning the race for mayor of Atlanta without a runoff.
And we end the week with a WSB-TV/InsiderAdvantage poll that says nearly the same thing: Norwood, 39 percent; Lisa Borders, 24 percent; and Kasim Reed, 17 percent. The undecided vote stands at 13 percent.
Margin of error is plus-or-minus 3 percentage points; 734 likely voters participated in the robo-call survey.
Norwood shows a statistically significant, 6-point increase in her lead over a WSB/InsiderAdvantage poll conducted two weeks ago – which can be attributed to a new, effective presence on TV via two 30-second spots.
Like that private poll, the newest IA poll shows Norwood winning a plurality of the African-American vote. For those with a subscription, IA CEO Matt Towery has posted his crosstabs here.
Many will still quibble with the Nov. 3 electorate that Towery has modeled, which supposes that young voters between 18 and 29 will make up 30 percent of the electorate. But this is what horse races are all about.
One note: We received a report today from political veteran who became part of the IA survey. He said the voice on the robo-call was Towery himself – and that the delivery was crisp and clean.
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98 comments Add your comment
realdem
October 16th, 2009
6:29 pm
Will that support in the black community hold up when voters find out that Mary voted for and supported Bush both times? Will Atlanta vote for a Republican, even a closet one?
THE REAL Shin Jasher
October 16th, 2009
6:37 pm
The good news is that the undecideds are down from 24% to 13%.
The bad news is that it looks like they’ve decided towards that witch Norwood.
I guess people are easily swayed. After all, Mary Mary Quite Quite Scary did have two commercials come out in the weeks between the last poll and this poll. One was quirky and dumb. The other was serious and brooding. The dichotomy stuck in people’s minds, hence the increase. But have they heard her in debates? She rambles on like a blithering ninny. Her incompetence and ignorance of the things she should know in her capacity as Councilwoman (like the city budget) is staggering. She has gotten zero press endorsements (that fishwrapper APN doesn’t count). She panders shamelessly to Blacks south of I-20. And yet, people think she should be our next mayor.
Pathetic!
Ryan Parks
October 16th, 2009
6:38 pm
I think voters are smart enough to realize that municipal issues like public safety and code enforcement are not very partisan. Besides, Lisa Borders’ plan to “monetize” our city’s assets is the most Republican idea I’ve heard in this race. What could be more Republican than telling poor Black kids that they have to pay an admission fee to enjoy their neighborhood park?
THE REAL Shin Jasher
October 16th, 2009
6:42 pm
No more Republican than slashing IT personnel to fund “centers of hope”. Or no more asinine.
Krooked Kasim
October 16th, 2009
6:42 pm
http://Www.notkasim.blogspot.com
Mary R, Doraville
October 16th, 2009
6:42 pm
IF THE WHITE GIRLS WINS IT WILL BECAUSE THE CITY OF ATLANTA IS RACIST. I WILL VOTE FOR THE REPUBLICAN, BLACK SISTER. I DO NOT CARE WHAT PARTY SHE IS IN…I WILL STAND BY THE SISTER. PERIOD. I DO NOT AGREE WITH MOST OF OBAMAS POLICYS BUT I VOTED FOR HIM AND WILL DO IT AGAIN.
Kasim dl lover
October 16th, 2009
7:07 pm
If Kasim keeps attacking Lisa, the City will be in serious trouble b/c Mary is obviously a nut case. Wake UP Atlanta. Lisa or Jesse are the best, Kasim is horrible and Mary is by far a nightmare. She has no idea what she is talking about, and merely speaks and meets with others to convince them that she;s the choice for Atlanta, but can’t even finish a sentence intellegently half the time.
Kasim dl lover
October 16th, 2009
7:14 pm
Mary Norwood is smart enough to keep her mouth shut, b/c as we saw on those 2 debates, when she speaks, its like listening to a 4th grader. I hope Atlanta wakes up and realizes what the hell she’s saying or not saying. She doesn’t care about Black people and also doesn’t care about smart Atlantans, only the Haves and the rich folks in Buckhead. If she’s hired, kiss all of the Black, Hispanic, Asians and other minorities with resources & power in Atlanta goodbye!
Kasim dl lover
October 16th, 2009
7:14 pm
By the way, I’m a man and Kasim loves me!
THE REAL Shin Jasher
October 16th, 2009
7:52 pm
These comments are a trip. I have to say though, it must be something to spend money on two commercials PLUS get the front-cover endorsement of two alt-weeklies in the city, and still not move up in the polls. What’s next, firebombing?
MaryForPrez
October 16th, 2009
8:21 pm
Kasim Reed is a crook and a politcal hack. Mary Norwwod has this thing in the bag:
http://www.notkasim.blogspot.
MaryForPrez
October 16th, 2009
8:23 pm
http://www.notkasim.blogspot.com.
look out for the truth about Borders soon!
realdem
October 16th, 2009
8:28 pm
Mary’s policy proposals are just as Republican as Lisa’s. She says she will increase public safety AND repeal the milage increase. Tax cuts AND increased spending? Sounds pretty Republican to me!
Phil
October 16th, 2009
8:49 pm
I have been one of the undecideds, up until this week. After countless hours of studying the candidates and their stances on each major challenge the city faces (and there are a ton of them), I have decided that Norwood will get my vote. Go Mary, Go!
Who's Kidding Who
October 16th, 2009
9:10 pm
Come on now, y’all know Norwood is weak on the issues and strong on the rhetoric. This thing will go to a run-off and when the smoke clears Borders or Reed will be mayor.
Those are the real facts from a white male’s perspective.
MC W
October 16th, 2009
9:31 pm
You guys need to calm down before you invite too many more campaign staffers.
http://www.keyser09.org/
;D
Don’t worry, I’m not one myself. I’m just butting in.
Truth be told
October 16th, 2009
9:37 pm
You Reed and Borders hacks should get a load of yourselves. You argue that Mary is a ninny, all the while she’s beating the pants off your candidates. She’s run a better campaign and raised more money from a board cross section of the citizens of Atlanta, while her opponents raise money from special interest developers and bond lawyers.
Face, the collective wisdom of Atlanta has rejected business as usual at City Hall and supports a proven public servant that has spoken truth to power at City Hall for the last 8 years.
We’ve had enough of slick talking shills for the special interests. What we want is a good-faith public servant who puts the citizens of this city first.
Get off the mantra that Mary isn’t smart enough. It didn’t work for Franklin, it isn’t working or Reed or Borders either. It just makes you look like arrogant, elitist asses. Being arrogant while your getting your butt kicked just looks pathetic.
itsobvious
October 16th, 2009
10:00 pm
Do not be fooled by what is taking place here – it is quite obvious that the media is trying to hype up the tension between the Reed and Borders camps. Divide and conquer………
North Fulton
October 16th, 2009
10:01 pm
The next mayor of Atlanta will be either Reed or Borders decided in a runoff against Norwood. Norwood cannot get to 50%.
Wow, Just Wow
October 16th, 2009
10:02 pm
Truth be told, Mary is just running a better campaign. She’s no rocket scientist, but the other two have shown they know how to shoot themselves in the proverbial a$$. It’s occurs to me that Reed has run two ads and bought a lot of air time (everytime you turn around, it comes on again) and is still stuck well below 20 points. I don’t know what to say about Borders. This should have been a cakewalk. There is a grand possibility that there will be no run-off– whereas before it was a foregone conclusion.
liz
October 16th, 2009
10:04 pm
I wonder what the vote split between younger and older voters was in the Presidential primary and general election last year? Or the last contested mayor’s race in 2001? It is hard to imagine it was split evenly among the age groups since older voters tend to vote more often than younger ones. On the other hand, the Towery poll could be confirmation of the poll Galloway reported on Monday in which case Norwood could win without a run off. The good news is the city would save money by avoiding the cost of a runoff election assuming other races don’t require the run off. If Norwood voted for Bush 1 and 2, was a delegate to the state Republican convention (for whatever reason), has been a member along with her husband of exclusive clubs(meaning African Americans, women and Jewish people were excluded from membership by virtue of their ethnicity, race or religion)and she doesn’t answer direct questions about her affiliations, then there is a serious problem. There is nothing elitist about wanting to have Norwood explain herself and describe her affiliations. If she is elected, Atlanta will have elected her mayor without having the benefit of her full disclosure of her agenda and philosphy. Norwood’s running against City Hall and Franklin rather than presenting an agenda for the city. She may win but Atlanta would lose.
ksiujgth
October 16th, 2009
10:04 pm
norwood weak on issues / strong on rhetoric – sounds like something an obama supporter would love in a candidate.
ksiujgth
October 16th, 2009
10:06 pm
norwood strong on rhetoric and weak on issues – sounds like something an obama supporter would love in a candidate
Revolution for change
October 16th, 2009
10:13 pm
Mayor-To-Be Norwood doesn’t wear saggy pants so she won’t fill them up with our tax dollars; her relatives and friends are probably law abidding citizens, and entrepreneurs who don’t need to beg a relative (nor would want) for a city job. That right there is half of this city’s problems solved. Needless to say, Go MARY!
Will Jones - Atlanta Jeffersonian Exegesis
October 16th, 2009
10:27 pm
Were Matt Towery honest would he wear a wig?
Shananeeeee Fananeeeeeee
October 16th, 2009
10:30 pm
President Obama and his cronies like Anita Dunn admire people like Mao Tse Tung and Fidel Castro. These men were evil dictators who are responsible for the deaths of millions and millions of their people. These are the type of men the Obama administration look into for stragedies and guidance. Mao and Fidel good, Fox News bad? Fox is evil, Mao and Fidel are great men? Something is wrong with this administration and I think they have their priorities out of order. These people are a disgrace.
jaydee
October 16th, 2009
10:43 pm
Earth to Shananeeeee Fananeeeeeee are you wth us?
oldandntheway
October 16th, 2009
10:44 pm
If Reed or Borders is elected, will Maynard’s and Shirley’s family lose the concessions at the airport? Who will they replaced by, family members or just close freinds?
Mary R, Doraville
October 16th, 2009
10:46 pm
Will Jones – Atlanta 4 Mayor.
Bob Smith
October 16th, 2009
11:33 pm
Norwood = Change. Atlanta needs a new culture.
Will Jones - Atlanta Jeffersonian Exegesis
October 16th, 2009
11:49 pm
Does any honest person here think Matt Towery isn’t still an operative for the Gay Old Pervert party?
Roc
October 17th, 2009
12:05 am
JESSE SPIKES IS THE BEST CANDIDATE IN THIS RACE. HE’S NOT SOME POLITICAL HACK THAT OWES PEOPLE FAVORS, SO NO ONE IS REALLY TALKING ABOUT HIM. HOWEVER, IF YOU LOOK AT HIS CREDENTIALS AND RESUME, HE’S BY FAR, BY FAR THE MOST INTELLIGENT CANDIDATE IN THE RACE. HE’S BUILT A CAREER OUT OF SOLVING COMPLEX PROBLEMS AND THOSE FACING THE CITY WILL BE A PIECE OF CAKE FOR JESSE TO RESOLVE. HE’S A STRAIGHT-SHOOTER THAT’S NOT GOING TELL YOU WHAT YOU WANT TO HEAR. HE’S GOING TO TELL IT LIKE IT IS. IF YOU WANT A PROBLEM SOLVER AT CITY HALL AND NOT SOME POLITICAL HACK THAT OWES EVERYONE FAVORS, LOOK AT JESSE SPIKES. LET’S END POLITICS AS USUAL!!!
trudytru
October 17th, 2009
12:57 am
If you people allow Reed to come in,he is going to have Shirley,Andy and all those other wantabes down in city…Reed’s brother is already helping to “FIX THINGS” at the airport along with K.Reed himself.We need changes…not the same people friends and croonies…wake up Atlanta
trudytu
October 17th, 2009
1:04 am
I think Mr.K.Reed needs to attend Cascade Church if he says he’s a member
Mary R, Doraville
October 17th, 2009
1:26 am
Will Jones – Atlanta 4 Mayor!
WRITE IN WILL JONES
October 17th, 2009
2:02 am
JOIN ME AND WRITE IN WILL JONES – ATLANTA!!!!!!!!
Voice of Reason #1
October 17th, 2009
3:24 am
Norwood seems like she could use a cheeseburger or two; and she also seems to be a bit Palin-esque sometimes (and lest your rethuglicans get confused, that’s not a compliment). But as a Black woman, I really want her to win because I am so sick of the mess that’s been happening in Atlanta. Let’s see the other folks’ mess again (a la Skandalakis, Pat Swindall-types). All politicians are corrupt and self-serving, but right now Atlanta needs a major change and Mary Norwood is it. SO all you Norwood people if you get out there and vote en masse Nov. 3rd, this mess will be over!! I’ll be watching (I don’t live ITP…thank God)
Parker Jones
October 17th, 2009
3:24 am
No matter what happens in this upcoming election, the local news, the political protest machines and other ne’er-do-wells in this town will continue to find divisive issues well into the new administration; with the ulitmate goal to make sure that old familiar racial tension remains at its normal powder keg level.
This town is filled to the brim with f’ing morons of all types.
Jon
October 17th, 2009
4:11 am
Atlanta will never elect a white mayor. Not gonna happen….ever, never, ever.
mikeb
October 17th, 2009
5:29 am
Mary R. Doraville, That is the most racist comment you can make.”I’ll vote for him becuase of his color. It don’t get much dumber than that.Go cash your welfare check and shut up!
Barky Obummer
October 17th, 2009
6:09 am
it’s time for a caucasian to try and clean up the ATL mess…strive to be smarter than the EVIL party of SLAVERY wants you to be!
Anna Burke
October 17th, 2009
6:26 am
Who are you people? Is this the level of political discourse in the ATL?? It makes me sad for the city.
Truth be told
October 17th, 2009
7:44 am
Actually, Borders and Reed has far more support from the monied Republican elite than Norwood. Mary has been a pragmatic, non-partisan problem solver for her city-wide consituancy for 8 years.
Hell, Borders’ campaign chairman is a right-wing Republican. All her money is coming from developers and business interests. Same with Reed.
The only time Borders and Reed want to come out of their corporate board rooms and talk the the voters is at election time. It ain’t gonna work.
Sling all the mud you want, Mary’s proven her good faith to voters all across this city and you can’t change that.
Again, arrogance and incompetence (Franklin, Borders and Reed) is a very unattractive combination.
Bill Campbell
October 17th, 2009
8:18 am
If you live in Atlanta and have to deal with the current level of TOTAL INCOMPETENCE and CORRUPTION that run every single thing in this city, then you realize it is time to break the status quo.
I am really just concerned that the voting will be rigged on election day.
When scum bags like Bill Campbell are still lauded, simply because of the color of their skin, there are huge problems.
Wake up Atlanta. We are becoming Detroit. It is time for a change.
Dave Chappel
October 17th, 2009
8:27 am
Why does Richard Pennington still have a job?
Why have we not heard anything about a new 911 director?
Why can’t we get a property tax bill?
Why haven’t the fire response water tanks been checked since 1973?
Why is MARTA such a joke? An absolute joke?
Why is the budget in shambles?
Why do I get bombarded by homeless bums every time I go to the courthouse?
Why is everyone who works at the courthouse a bumbling idiot?
This city barely functions at all on so many levels, it is mind boggling. I invite any of you to tour around the country and see what real cities look like.
This city has been unable to handle the most basic of services. It is borderline criminal how inept the people in power are.
A Realist
October 17th, 2009
8:39 am
The City of Atlanta needs serious changes which include getting rid of many of the cronies currently on the city council. What a joke when it comes to leadership. Many of these folks are more concerned with maintaining their power, taking money for favors and bickering than solving the many problems of the city.
Please vote for someone that is willing to go against the status quo otherwise it will be the same downhill results for Atlanta for the next few years. There is too much waste and it has gotten to a point where even incompetent city workers know that they can’t and/or won’t be fired for NOT DOING their jobs.
CHANGERIGHT?
October 17th, 2009
8:50 am
It’s all about CHANGE right? Well, it about time that someone gets into the Mayor’s office that can change the city. This city and it’s government is and has been a laughing stock across the nation for years. Just to think after this election, there is a black president and a white mayor in Atlanta. I don’t know which one is more historic.
Burroughston Broch
October 17th, 2009
10:33 am
The City has suffered for 35 years under the failed mayorships of Maynard Jackson and his successors/cronies/fellow looters. You can add 4 more years for Sam Massell’s term in which he caved in to the employee unions.
It’s past time that the Jackson machine be shown the door and real public servants, such as were Ivan Allen and William Hartsfield, be elected to begin the healing process.
Truth be told, government is always corrupt because the government controls other people’s money. Under Allen and Hartsfield, City government was corrupt but it worked. For the last 35 years, City government has been monumentally corrupt and nothing works.
Chris Snipes
October 17th, 2009
11:21 am
For the African American voters to only vote for one of the African American candidates is pure racism at best. The African American community has supported and elected Black Mayors continuously over the last few decades, ask yourselves….how is your life better because of these choices? It’s not, the same poverty and crime and unemployment exist. Perhaps we should vote for the best qualified candidate and not for the color of their skin.
Jane
October 17th, 2009
11:24 am
This will be a tremendous victory for the right if Norwood wins. She is close to several Republican/pro-life figures in the state and would be at least as socially conservative as Karen Handel. There will be a lot of house cleaning if she wins.