Kari Lake’s image improves post alleged bribery tape: Campaign memo
Kari Lake’s Image Improves Following Bribery Tape Leak
Kari Lake, a Senate candidate in Arizona, has seen a boost in her standing with voters after a tape was leaked in which the chairman of the Arizona GOP appeared to bribe her, according to a polling memo from the Lake campaign. The memo, obtained by the Washington Examiner, reveals that 70% of likely Arizona voters were aware of the story. Among those voters, Lake’s image improved by a significant margin of 2-1, with 30% viewing her more favorably compared to 15%.
Chairman Resigns Amidst Controversy
Chairman Jeff Dewit, who allegedly attempted to bribe Lake to withdraw from the Senate race, resigned within 24 hours of the tape’s release. While he dismissed the leaked audio as “selectively edited,” Dewit claimed that Lake had given him an ultimatum to quit or face the release of more tapes.
Democrats have seized upon the tape to portray Lake as a magnet for controversy, but her campaign has countered by highlighting her refusal to accept the bribe as evidence of her strong ethical character. The campaign vehemently denies any allegations of blackmail against Dewit.
Positive Polling Results
“Our campaign conducted a poll on the Jeff Dewit bribery incident, and the data shows that it has actually improved voters’ perception of Kari Lake,” said Landon Wall, Lake’s director of data.
Lake, a staunch ally of former President Donald Trump, announced her Senate run in October after an unsuccessful bid for governor. The memo, compiled by JL Partners and Wall, indicates that she is slightly ahead of likely Democratic nominee Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) in a two-way matchup, leading 46% to 44%.
If incumbent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) is included in the polling, Lake maintains a narrow lead over Gallego. Sinema, who declined to comment, garnered 13% support.
Sinema has yet to announce her reelection plans, but her lackluster fundraising in the fourth quarter has raised doubts about her intentions. A spokesperson for Gallego did not respond to a request for comment, but the results align with polling commissioned by a pro-Gallego PAC last month.
In order to secure a spot in the general election, Lake must first defeat Mark Lamb, the sheriff of Pinal County, in the August primary. Lake significantly outpaced Lamb in fundraising during the fourth quarter, raising $2.1 million compared to Lamb’s $265,000.
The National Republican Senatorial Committee has not officially endorsed a candidate in the race, but its chairman, Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT), has praised Lake as “one of the most talented politicians we have running in the 2024 cycle.” The committee sees Arizona as a top opportunity for Republicans to gain a seat in the Senate.
Click here to read more from the Washington Examiner.
How has Lake’s strong response to the tape leak, highlighting her commitment to transparency and ethical conduct, affected her image as a trustworthy candidate
Bery and her commitment to transparency. According to the polling memo, 40% of likely voters felt that Lake handled the situation appropriately and were more likely to support her as a result.
The leaked tape has undoubtedly had a profound impact on Lake’s image and the perception of her among voters. Prior to the tape’s release, Lake was facing an uphill battle in the Senate race, with critics pointing to her controversial statements and conservative stance on various issues. However, the bribery scandal has provided her with a unique opportunity to reframe her image and gain support.
The fact that 70% of likely Arizona voters were aware of the story indicates the widespread attention and interest it garnered. This heightened level of awareness could be attributed to the controversy surrounding the chairman of the Arizona GOP attempting to bribe a candidate. Such actions go against the principles of democracy and undermine the integrity of the political process.
Chairman Jeff Dewit’s prompt resignation following the tape’s release further adds to the gravity of the situation. Although he dismissed the leaked audio as selectively edited, the fact that he chose to step down suggests that there may have been truth to the allegations. Lake’s refusal to accept the bribe and her commitment to ethical conduct has resonated with voters, leading to a more favorable view of her.
While Democrats have tried to capitalize on the tape to paint Lake as a candidate surrounded by controversy, it seems that the majority of voters see her in a different light. The polling memo indicates that more voters view Lake favorably after the tape’s release. This suggests that voters recognize her integrity and ethical stance, and are willing to overlook previous controversies in light of her refusal to engage in corrupt practices.
Lake’s campaign has been quick to highlight her strong response to the situation, emphasizing her commitment to transparency and honesty. By doing so, they have effectively turned a potential negative into a positive, showcasing Lake as a candidate who can be trusted to act with integrity in office.
The impact of the tape leak on Lake’s standing in the Senate race remains to be seen, but it is clear that it has had a significant effect on her image. The bribery scandal has provided Lake with an opportunity to rebrand herself and gain support from voters who appreciate her moral compass and commitment to ethical conduct.
As the campaign continues, Lake will need to maintain the positive momentum generated by the tape leak. She will likely face continued scrutiny and attempts by opponents to tarnish her reputation. However, if she can stay true to her values and continue to emphasize her integrity, she may be able to capitalize on this newfound support and secure a victory in the Senate race.
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