McCain Leads By 22 Points...Hayworth Negatives Skyrocket

Rasmussen just released a new poll, showing John McCain ahead of J.D. Hayworth by 22 points.

Shiree Verdone
Campaign Manager

AZ Sen Poll: McCain Opens Primary Lead

Sen. John McCain (R) has known from an early stage that he could face a tough primary in his bid for re-election this year, and acted on it.

He already launched radio ads touting his effort to block President Obama's "extreme left wing crusade."

And just this week, Sen.-elect Scott Brown (R) recorded robocalls that went out to voters in Arizona.

Now, a Rasmussen poll (502 LVs, 1/20, MoE +/- 4.5%) shows the Maverick just over 50 percent in a potential matchup against former Rep. JD Hayworth -- not the best position for an incumbent to be, but an improvement over the dead heat Rasmussen found in November.

Hayworth just entered the race this morning. Meanwhile, McCain's camp announced this week that his former running mate, Sarah Palin, will campaign for him in late March.

Favorable Ratings

McCain 74 / 23

Hayworth 58 / 25

Simcox 28 / 23

**Read article from Real Clear Politics.