Rasmussen: Johnson 53%, Feingold 46%

Ever since the St. Norbert College poll came out a week ago, the Democrats have been using the results to fundraise for Russ Feingold and other Dems.

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee has been citing the poll to claim that Wisconsin is not a lost cause, that Russ Feingold at 47% is in a dead heat with Ron Johnson, 49%.

Here's an example, an e-mail from John Kerry:

To all those naysayers who said we couldn't turn this election around, I say, look at the numbers.

Two polls now show Joe Sestak taking the lead in Pennsylvania. Barbara Boxer is leading Carly Fiorina in California. And Russ Feingold has surged into a dead heat with Ron Johnson in Wisconsin.

But it isn't over yet. With 10 races within 3 points, it is so close that every voter, every second, and every dollar could make all the difference.

Your donations got us this far, but we need more to seal the deal. We've got just 10 days to run ads, knock on doors and get out the vote. This is the moment to give now so we can continue this surge and hold onto the Senate!

This is just one of many citing that same poll to encourage donors and boost contributions.

But if one believes Rasmussen, Feingold's supposed surge has turned and taken a dramatic retreat.

From Rasmussen, October 26, 2010:

Election 2010: Wisconsin Senate

Wisconsin Senate: Johnson (R) Clears 50% - Again - Versus Feingold (D)

Republican challenger Ron Johnson receives over 50% support against incumbent Democrat Russ Feingold in the fourth consecutive survey of Wisconsin’s U.S. Senate race.

The latest Rasmussen Reports statewide telephone survey of Likely Voters shows Johnson, a wealthy plastics manufacturer, picking up 53% of the vote. Feingold, who has represented the state in the Senate since 1993, draws support from 46%. Only one percent (1%) are undecided at this point.

...Two weeks ago, Johnson held a similar 52% to 45% lead over Feingold. In surveys since May, Johnson’s support has risen from 44% to a high of 54%. Feingold's support in those same surveys has remained in the narrow range of 42% to 46%. But the race was a close one until last month.

What happened to Feingold's surge?

Local media, like the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and TMJ4, blared that the race was tightening and virtually tied.

Will these outlets report Rasmussen's results with as much gusto as they gave to their coverage of the St. Norbert poll?

I don't think so.

Apparently, Ron Johnson's positive message continues to resonate with Wisconsin voters. We want Johnson to represent us in Washington.

At this point, it appears that voters will hold Feingold accountable for failing to listen.