One survey, by Rasmussen Research, reported that Ashcroft led Carnahan 49-46 percent on Monday. A poll by the same group two weeks ago showed Ashcroft leading 50-40 percent. But building on that group toward a majority is a different task. Already Republicans have cast doubts about the legality of announcing Jean Carnahan's potential appointment before the election. That could give some voters pause.
Democrats also face the problem of convincing voters to back a candidate who's no longer living.
But others think the sympathy quotient could be potent. It might even fire some people up. She said Democrats showed prescience by asking Jean Carnahan to take the seat should her late husband win the election. Roy Temple, executive director of the Missouri Democratic Party, said activists are showing a renewed passion for the race. Whether that level of intensity will stick around until Election Day, I can't say.