Dem Chris Pappas Leads GOP Opponent by 13 Points in NH

Democrat Chris Pappas leads his Republican challenger Eddie Edwards in the bid for New Hampshire’s 1^st District, according to a University of New Hampshire poll released on Monday.

In the race to replace retiring Democratic Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter, Executive Councilor and restauranteur Pappas has the support of 53 percent of likely voters, while 40 percent back former South Hampton Police Chief Edwards. Libertarian Dan Belforti received 3 percent and 4 percent are undecided.

Edwards, however, has a 17-percentage-point lead over Pappas among independents.

The poll is a stark contrast to one released last week by Emerson College, which showed a virtual tie, with Pappas at 48 percent and Edwards at 46 percent.

The race has been touted as historic, since voters will either pick Pappas as the first openly-gay congressman from the state or Edwards will become New Hampshire’s first black congressman.

The survey was conducted between Nov. 1-4 among 309 likely voters in the district. It has a margin of sampling error of +/-5.6 percent.

• Emerson Poll: NH GOP House Candidate Pulls Into Virtual Tie
• 'History Is Going to Be Made' in New Hampshire House Race