Poll: Shutdown hurting GOP in Senate battlegrounds

The aims of Republicans to take over the Senate in 2014 have taken a serious hit with the ongoing government shutdown, according to new Public Policy Polling surveys in six battleground states.

Republicans trail in five of the six Senate races that will determine control of the legislative chamber, and are tied in the sixth, according to the PPP polls. Republicans would need to win all six to take control of the Senate.

It’s to the point where a Republican-held seat in Georgia is in play for Democrat Michelle Nunn. Nunn is tied in a PPP poll with a generic Republican opponent at 42 percent. The seat is currently held by Saxby Chambliss, who announced earlier this year that he will not seek re-election in 2014.

More from the polls:

– In Michigan’s open seat race Democrat Gary Peters leads Republican Terri Lynn Land 43/36. Voters are opposed to the shutdown by a 65/27 margin, and when voters are informed that Peters stood against the shutdown in the House his lead expands to 50/36.

– It’s a similar story in Iowa’s open seat race- there Democrat Bruce Braley leads a generic Republican opponent 45/41. Voters are against the shutdown 64/27, and when voters are informed of Braley’s opposition his lead goes up to 7 points at 46/39.

– In Louisiana Mary Landrieu leads Republican challenger Bill Cassidy 48/41 for reelection. Voters oppose the shutdown 60/30, and 47% say they’re less likely to vote for Cassidy for the Senate next year because he supported it compared to only 32% who are more likely to. Landrieu’s lead grows to 52/42 when voters are informed of Cassidy’s position on the shutdown.

– In Arkansas Mark Pryor leads Republican challenger Tom Cotton 44/41. Voters there oppose the shutdown 59/32. When informed that Cotton supported it, 45% of voters say they’re less likely to support him for a move up to the Senate next year compared to just 33% who say they’re more likely to.

– In North Carolina Kay Hagan leads a generic Republican 47/42. Voters oppose the government shutdown 63/29, and when they’re informed that she opposed it as well her lead over a generic opponent increases to 49/41.

The polls were conducted on behalf of Americans United for Change.