Hartzler Consultant: Poll Shows Hartzler Dominating Hensley July 10, 2012

American Viewpoint consultant Randall Gutermuth says Mo-4 Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler is in position for a landslide victory in her first re-election bid.
American viewpoint’s poll for the Hartzler campaign gives her a commanding 35-point lead. The poll was conducted in late June. It shows Hartzler with 61%, Cass County prosecutor Teresa Hensley, who is her likely Democratic opponent, with 22%.
Gutermuth’s memo to “interested parties”, states, ” Vicky Hartzler is in a very strong position and it is difficult to imagine how Hensley is able to mount a credible campaign over the next four months.”
The memo, however, adds a qualifier.
It states, “if Vicky Hartzler has the resources to wage a strong campaign, she should win with large margins”.
Hensley, however, outraised Hartzler in first quarter, according to campaign finance reports filed with the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
Hensley raised $248,648 in 1Q. She reported $234,814 in cash.
Hartzler reported $140,230 in contributions. But Hartzler has more cash than Henelsy, with more than $ 353,000 on hand for her re-election effort.
Strategists for the Hensley campaign believe Hartzler’s relatively low fundraising numbers in the first quarter indicates she is vulnerable to a well-financed Democratic challenge.
But the American Viewpoint memo says the Mo-4 is a solidly Republican district now.
It’s poll claims GOP likely nominee Mitt Romney leads President Obama in the Mo-4, 61-33.
The memo also states Democratic incumbent Claire McCaskill has a 37% favorable rating in the district. That is very low for an incumbent Senator.
American Viewpoint’s memo states, “the political environment will make it nearly impossible for Teresa Hensley to gain any traction.”