Dueling Polls Beg Questions About 10th District Race

The latest available polling in the 10th Congressional District race between Democratic challenger of Deerfield and show widely varying results.

A survey released Thursday by the House Majority PAC, a Democratic super PAC, and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) shows Dold and Schneider tied while the North Shore Congressman’s internal numbers have him 10 points ahead.

Both Dold and Schneider have the support of 46 percent of the 400 likely 10th Congressional District voters surveyed between Aug. 8 and 12 with a margin of error of 4.9 percent in the Democratic poll prepared by Greenberg, Quinlan Rosner, a Democratic pollster.

Dold campaign spokesperson John McGovern was quick to respond with the Congressman’s latest internal polling information showing him ahead, disputing the findings of the Democratic poll.

"This partisan poll is inconsistent with our own internal surveys which show Rep. Dold in the lead and indicate that his support continues to grow among voters across the 10th District who respect his thoughtful, independent-minded leadership," McGovern said.

Dold’s numbers showed him with a 10-point lead, garnering the support of 42 percent of 400 likely voters with a margin of error of 4.9 percent. Schneider had the backing of 32 percent of those surveyed. It was prepared by McLaughlin & Associates between June 20 and 21.

Just over two months ago, Schneider released his own internal poll showing both candidates with the support of 39 percent of those questioned. That survey, prepared by Normington Petts, also talked to 400 likely voters and had a 4.9 percent margin of error.

Voters will be assured of plenty of opportunity to hear the messages of both Dold and Schneider. The House Majority PAC and the SEIU have  after Labor Day for the 10th District race and two others in the Chicago area.

Dold has already committed to spending $1.88 million on television advertising to keep his seat, according to a story in Crain’s Chicago Business. Dold’s expenditures are independent of anything outside groups may spend to help him.