Beasley leads Ford, Baker in Senate poll

A recent poll shows state Rep. Billy Beasley, D-Clayton, leading other candidates in the race for the state Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Myron Penn, a Union Springs Democrat.
The poll, conducted by the well-respected Democratic polling firm of Anzalone-Liszt Inc., shows Beasley leading the Democratic primary field and in potential head-to-head runoff match-ups with former Tuskegee Mayor Johnny Ford, fellow state Rep. Locy Baker of Abbeville and Macon County Commissioner Drew Thompson.
Beasley, who is in his third four-year term in the House, had 30 percent of the votes in the poll, Ford had 24 percent, Baker had 16 percent and Thompson had 5 percent.
The polling summary states that even though Ford, who also served in the Alabama House of Representatives, has run for various positions since the 1970s, Beasley leads him head-to-head 48 percent to 37 percent.
Beasley leads Baker in a head-to-head match-up with 50 percent to 27 percent.
In the diverse district, according to the polling summary, the lawmaker has strong support from black voters with a nine to one favorable to unfavorable rating, which is higher than other Democratic primary candidates. His lead increases from six points to 10 points district-wide when voters receive biographical information including race.
Beasley and Thompson are white. Ford and Baker are black.
Beasley is also already known to half of the Democratic primary electorate, according to the poll.
The poll was released by Beasley's campaign.
Anzalone-Liszt has worked for U.S. Rep. Artur Davis, U.S. Rep. Bobby Bright, and many other state and national candidates.

-- posted by Sebastian Kitchen