THREE MARTINI LUNCH: SEPTEMBER 18, 2014

Jim and Greg discuss good news for the GOP in the latest polls, White House intimidation of families of two journalists murdered by ISIS, and rumors that Jon Huntsman may run as an independent in 2016.



Surge: Walker regains the lead in Wisconsin

Another new data point that's turning Eeyore frowns upside down, placing a juicy cherry atop Wednesday's happy (and sorely needed) polling sundae. Time will tell whether this apparent momentum is the beginning of a trend or just a flash in the pan - but we're rolling with it, baby. A shot in the arm from the Badger State, where Scott Walker was narrowly trailing his Democratic challenger among likely voters in this polling series last month.  Reversal:

RV #wigov: Burke 46%, Walker 46% LV #wigov: Burke 46%, Walker 49%. #mulawpoll #wigov wiright
— RightWisconsin (@RightWisconsin) September 17, 2014

The governor's 49-46 edge mirrors his job approval rating (+3) and personal favorability (+4) numbers among respondents - likely driven by independents (among whom Walker leads by almost seven points) and resurgent Republican enthusiasm, which falls in line with the nationwide trend. That this race is even close is a testament to Wisconsin Democrats' relentless polarization of Walker; they've laid siege to the guy from day one and have never let up. Most incumbents would kill for these fundamentals:

Right Track / Wrong Track: Exactly the same as in August. 54% Right Direction 42% Wring Track. #mulawpoll #wigov #wiright
— RightWisconsin (@RightWisconsin) September 17, 2014

How are the State Finance / Budget: Better - 41%, Same - 25%, Worse 27%, DK - 6%. #mulawpoll #wigov #wiright
— RightWisconsin (@RightWisconsin) September 17, 2014

He's presiding over a (+12) right track/wrong track environment in his state - compared to O's glittering (-38) showing in DC - and a sizable plurality believes the state is on better fiscal footing. Only 27 percent of Wisconsinites, also known as ludicrous partisans, say things are worse off. On personal characteristics, Walker's barely underwater on the Democrat-dominated "cares about you" metric and is still sky high on "gets things done" (64/31)...

Also read:

Poll showing GOP favorability nearly even with Dems met with furious spinning

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