Poll Indicates Indy Mayor Vulnerable In Fall Election

INDIANAPOLIS -- A poll commissioned by the Marion County Republican Party shows incumbent Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson, a Democrat, is vulnerable in the upcoming November general election on the heels of voter outrage over property and income tax hikes.

The poll, conducted by Public Opinion Strategies, surveyed 300 likely voters on Aug. 8.

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Analysis: Capitol WatchBlog

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According to poll results, 53 percent of respondents said they definitely or probably plan to vote for someone other than Peterson in the fall and 46 percent said they will definitely or probably vote for Peterson in November.

Sixty-four percent of respondents said they think Marion County is on the wrong track.

The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 5 percent.

Despite painting a gloomy outlook for Peterson, the survey indicated that voters would choose him over mayoral challenger Republican Greg Ballard, who was known to only 18 percent of respondents.

The poll indicated that Peterson would beat Ballard in a head-to-head contest. Of the 18 percent who know who Ballard is, 51 percent said they will choose him over Peterson this fall.

Forty-six percent of respondents said they will vote for someone new on the City-County Council, compared to 22 percent who said they plan to vote for their current council member.

"It isn't surprising at all when you look at what's been happening the last two months," said Marion County GOP Chairman Tom John. "Mayor Peterson has failed in his leadership. He's failed to plan, and we're seeing the results of that as voters ... are looking for a new leader."

"If I was desperate for money, which clearly they are -- they don't have enough money to run a campaign, I would probably commission a poll, frame the questions in a way that they come out giving me the answers that I'm hoping for," said Mike O'Connor, Peterson's campaign manager. "Then, I'd issue a press release and hope that the media will cover it."

Republicans said they are trying to raise money $1 million to fund their campaign to unseat Peterson.