Poll: Cain Would Trounce Chambliss in Georgia Senate Primary

Former Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain leads Georgia GOP Sen. Saxby Chambliss handily in a Public Policy Polling survey of potential primary match-ups for Chambliss in 2014 – 50 to 36 percent.

The incumbent has drawn the ire of conservatives in recent days for expressing a willingness to abandon the Americans for Tax Reform pledge against tax increases. Cain has expressed no interest in running.

Only 38 percent of Republican primary voters favor Chambliss as the party’s nominee next year, compared to 43 percent who want someone more conservative.

A total of 45 percent of Republican approve of the senator’s job performance, while 36 percent disapprove. As for the businessman Cain, 68 percent of Republicans have a favorable opinion of him, compared to 20 percent who have a negative view.

Chambliss holds big leads over the Republicans who have shown the most interest in opposing him. Rep. Paul Broun trails 57 to 14 percent, Rep. Tom Price 52 to 34 percent, and former Secretary of State Karen Handel 52 to 23 percent.

“Saxby Chambliss is in a weak position with Republican voters, but right now most of hispotential primary foes have low name recognition,” Dean Debnam, president of Public Policy, said in a statement. “If one of them mounts a strong campaign, though, he’ll be in a lot of trouble.”