"Poll: Death penalty not major factor for Colorado voters," is by Jon Murray in today's Denver Post.
While the death penalty has been at the forefront of debate in the Colorado governor's race this year, a new Denver Post poll suggests the issue may lack bite.
It's failing to play much of a role in most voters' decisions, with only 18 percent of likely voters in the SurveyUSA poll saying the issue is a major factor. Most of those who say the death penalty is a major factor are backing Bob Beauprez, the Republican challenger to Gov. John Hickenlooper.
Hickenlooper has faced criticism from death penalty supporters since he granted Chuck E. Cheese killer Nathan Dunlap a reprieve on his death sentence in May 2013, leaving the decision to the next governor. Recently Hickenlooper suggested he might grant Dunlap clemency if he does not win reelection.
Countering that, Beauprez has vowed on the campaign trail to execute Dunlap, making the issue into an applause line.
And:
Sixty-three percent of respondents said they support the death penalty, and 28 percent are opposed while 10 percent are unsure. The margin of error is plus or minus 3.9 percentage points.
"Colorado governor: Hickenlooper and Beauprez neck and neck in poll," is also by Jon Murray.
Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper's race against Republican Bob Beauprez was too close to call in a new Denver Post poll in which voters nonetheless indicated they were still getting familiar with the challenger.
Five weeks before the start of the mail-in election, 45 percent supported Hickenlooper among likely voters polled by SurveyUSA, and 43 percent supported Beauprez. The result is within the margin of error of plus or minus 3.9 percentage points.
The poll makes clear that the Democratic governor — who has faced controversy over gun control, the death penalty and his unconventional leadership style — is mostly a known quantity, and a polarizing figure. Forty-six percent of respondents had a favorable opinion of him, while 47 percent had an unfavorable opinion, a one-point deficit.
Earlier coverage from Colorado begins at the link. Related posts are in the politics and public opinion polling category indexes.
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