Poll Tracker

Republicans are entering 2010 with a solid lead in the race to replace retiring Kentucky Sen. Jim Bunning (R), according to a new survey by the Democratic firm Public Policy Polling, which was in the field Dec. 18-21.

The automated poll of 1,199 Kentucky voters showed that both of the top GOP primary contenders would win in hypothetical matchups with both of the leading Democratic candidates.

Secretary of state Trey Grayson (R) leads Attorney General Jack Conway (D) 40 percent to 33 percent and bested Lt. Gov. Daniel Mongiardo (D) 44 percent to 35 percent. Meanwhile eye surgeon Rand Paul (R) leads both Democratic candidates by 42 percent-36 percent margins. The survey had a 2.8 point margin of error.

Self-identified Independents broke toward the Republican candidates, according to the survey, giving Grayson and Paul anywhere from a 25- to 34-point leads over the Democratic candidates.