New poll: Inslee’s lead in governor’s race down to 3 points

The Washington governor’s race may be tightening.

Three weeks before Election Day, Rob McKenna has pulled back within the margin of error against Jay Inslee, according to a new poll conducted by SurveyUSA for KING-TV.

The poll, which two weeks ago showed Inslee with a six-point lead, now indicates a smaller lead of three points: 47-44 percent.

McKenna, a Republican and the state attorney general, gained the most ground against former Democratic Congressman Inslee among voters ages 50 and older. The last survey showed Inslee ahead by eight points with those voters; this poll puts McKenna ahead by two.

McKenna’s education-focused message may also be resonating with voters. Those surveyed in the new poll favored McKenna by 42-35 percent on the issue; previously, the rivals were essentially tied.

The poll, conducted over the weekend, Oct. 12 through 14, surveyed 543 likely voters around the state. It had a margin of error of plus or minus 4.3 percent.

McKenna and Inslee will meet for their final debate Tuesday at 8 p.m., an event that will be live-streamed on seattletimes.com, with a live chat, and broadcast live on KING TV

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Comments | More in Governor, homepage, Statewide | Topics: Debate, Jay Inslee, KING TV

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Politics Northwest is the go-to blog for politics in our region. The blog explores national, state and local political news and issues. Reporters from Washington, D.C., to Seattle City Hall to the state capital in Olympia contribute. Editors are Richard Wagoner and Beth Kaiman.

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