I realized right away that the poll commissioned by KBJR TV was deeply flawed when they said it was only conducted in six counties of the 18 in the Congressional District. I assumed (correctly) that the counties were the heart of Oberstar territory immediately surrounding Duluth. Had the other 12 counties been polled they would have given Grams another 10%.
I would point out two things that may help me. This poll was taken last week before my TV advertising began. I believe my advertising will hurt Oberstar in the six county region covered by Duluth television.
This poll took place before the crude and embarassing Grams mailing showing Jim Oberstar with numbers across his chest as though he was a convict and calling him a “serial job killer.” I suspect some moderate Republicans will be annoyed enough with these crude tactics that they may be inclined to vote for me rather than Rod Grams.
I may yet get 5% despite the 2% predictions from the poll which, in any event, must have had a 4% margin of error.
