Race closer than expected (Renier vs Walberg US 7th)

[Purveyor]

Many voters may not know who Sharon Renier is, but 35 percent in one poll would send her to Congress anyway.

The Munith Democrat and farmer, who has never held elected office, trails favorite Tim Walberg, R-Tipton, who garnered 43 percent in the first poll released since the August primary. With less than four weeks before the Nov. 7 election, 22 percent of voters remain undecided in the 7th District race.

The biggest surprise may be that Renier beats Walberg among independent voters, 36 percent to 33 percent, with 28 percent undecided. Of those polled, 32 percent identified themselves as independents.

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"This was long perceived to be a safe Republican seat," Czuba said. "Clearly, independent voters are shifting to the Democratic side. It says there are more issues here than just the two candidates."

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