McLaughlin’s poll shows tie with Jones

Rep. Walter Jones (R-N.C.), an opponent of the war in Iraq, is in a statistical tie with primary challenger Joe McLaughlin, according to a poll released Tuesday by McLaughlin’s campaign.

The poll, conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, shows Jones leading McLaughlin 43-41, with 5 percent supporting another candidate and 11 percent undecided.

{mosads}Forty-eight percent of voters said it was time for someone new in the congressional seat, while 46 percent said Jones deserves reelection.

The poll surveyed 500 likely voters using an automated method licensed by Rasmussen Reports.

“These poll results confirm what we are seeing on the ground every single day,” said McLaughlin. “Republicans in eastern North Carolina want a real conservative representing them in Washington.”

Jones has garnered opposition from some of the Republican base for his consistent opposition to the war in Iraq.
While Jones is often seen as vulnerable, McLaughlin has not raised large amounts of money for his campaign.

McLaughlin has raised $70,000 and has $30,000 in cash on hand. Jones has raised $200,000 and is running radio ads. That total will soon include money from fundraisers with National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) Chairman Tom Cole (Okla.), Rep. Spencer Bachus (R-Ala.) and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.).

Jones’s campaign declined to comment on the poll.