Internet pollster Pindell says Kanjorski will lose election

James Pindell, the managing editor of Politicker.com and its 15 state political news sites, says 12-term Democratic incumbent U.S. Rep. Paul E. Kanjorski has “lost his image” and will lose to Republican challenger Lou Barletta in the 11th Congressional District race.

Pindell said Kanjorski’s defeat will go against the national tide. He predicted Democrats will pick up more seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate to give them a majority in both houses of Congress.

“We are seeing a large Democratic wave that will leave Paul Kanjorski behind,” Pindell said. “Dogged down in controversy, this race has become entirely about him and not about voting simply for a Democrat in a big Democratic year. I have been watching this race all year and have considered it one of the most competitive House races in the country. But it is becoming increasingly clear that while Democrats continue to unload money on this race, it is not moving the numbers.”

With two weeks until the general election, Pindell says Democrats are set to pick up seven seats in the Senate and 16 in the House.

“The economy, Barack Obama, and George W. Bush combine to push several Senate and House races that were toss-ups last week into the Democratic column,” Pindell said in his analysis. “While the Democrats will control the White House and both houses of Congress, they will not be able to secure the 60 Senate seats they need for a filibuster-proof majority.”

Barletta took the news cautiously, saying the campaign is far from over. In the April primary, Kanjorski received 90,800 Democratic votes, while Barletta tallied just over 27,000 Republican votes.

“This is a very close race,” Barletta said. “We’re not taking anything for granted, and we’re going to run through the finish line. We’ve felt a lot of momentum for months now, but we will not give one inch. We’re going to finish strong.”

Ed Mitchell, spokesman for the Kanjorski campaign, said the 24-year congressman remains confident as he heads toward the finish line.

“Everyone’s entitled to their opinion,” Mitchell said. “Pundits don’t vote in the 11th District, the people who know firsthand that Paul Kanjorski stands up for them will vote. We’re confident we will win on Election Day.”

For the 111th Congress, The Pindell Report forecasts the Senate at 58-41 (counting two Independent lawmakers caucusing with the Democratic majority) and the House at 252-180. The Senate race in Alaska and three House races – in Florida, New Mexico and Kansas – remain toss-ups, he said.

Barletta took the news cautiously, saying the campaign is far from over. In the April primary, Kanjorski received 90,800 Democratic votes, while Barletta tallied just over 27,000 Republican votes.

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