Marquette poll: Governor’s race a dead heat

A new Marquette Law School survey of 805 registered state voters shows the race for Wisconsin governor in a dead heat. The poll, conducted between May 15 and 18 by landline and cellphone, shows Gov. Scott Walker and Democratic challenger Mary Burke each receiving 46% of the vote, with 6% undecided. 

Of likely voters (those who say they will absolutely vote), 48% say Walker would get their vote if the election were held today, compared to 45% for Burke. 

Of those who say they are certain to vote and excited about voting in the November election, Walker leads Burke 50% to 45%. 

The margin of error is +/- 3.5%.

Those declaring party affiliations are strongly backing their candidates. Walker received 94% of the Republican vote while Burke received 88% of the Democratic vote. Independents split 49% to 40% in favor of Walker.

Voters remain split along gender lines. Walker leads among men 52% to 42%, while 49% of women lean toward Burke and 41% prefer Walker.

The poll also found that 49% of respondents approve of the job Walker is doing, up from 47% in March. Meanwhile, 52% say the state is headed in the right direction while 42% say it’s on the wrong track.