After a close gubernatorial race in 2010, Republican Tom Foley has a real shot at beating Gov. Dannel P. Malloy in the 2014 election for governor, according to the most recent polls.
In a poll of more than 1,500 registered voters, 43 percent of those polled said they would vote for Foley in 2014, while 40 percent said they would vote for Malloy.
The survey was conducted by Quinnipiac University between June 12 and 17, Â just days after the end of the Connecticut legislative session.
Voters gave Malloy a split 47-47 percent job approval rating, and while 44 percent of voters say he deserves re-election, 46 percent say he does not.
“Since he has been governor, (Malloy) has struggled with tepid job approval ratings, never rising above 50 percent” said Douglas Schwartz, Quinnipiac University poll director, in a statement. “So it is not surprising that in our first poll on the 2014 gubernatorial election, ‘Mid-40s Malloy’ runs neck and neck with his 2010 opponent, Tom Foley. Foley gave him a run for his money in 2010, losing by less than one percentage point.”
Most voters polled said Malloy has strong leadership qualities and agree with the way he has handled gun policy, but they are either divided or disapprove of his handling of education, the budget, taxes and the economy.
In the most recent state budget passed for the 2014 and 2015 fiscal years, the state has planned to expand its gambling program with the installation of Keno electric game machines in restaurants, bars and convenience stores across the state.
About 59 percent of voters say Keno should not be allowed, while 35 percent of voters say it should be, according to the poll.
