Alaska: Gov. Walker Counters

​Last week, the Alaska Research Service released polling numbers that found Gov. Bill Walker (I) falling well behind both Republican former state Sen. Mike Dunleavy and Democratic ex-US Senator Mark Begich.  The ballot test showed Gov. Walker trailing in third place, 38-33-23%, behind both Dunleavy and Begich.
 
Now, the Governor released his own Patinkin Research Strategies poll (6/22-28; 800 AK likely general election voters), but his own survey actually confirms significant portions of the ARS poll.  According to Patinkin, Mr. Dunleavy is also placed in the lead with 36%, followed by Gov. Walker attracting 28%, while Mr. Begich polls last at 22%.  While the Republican number is consistent with the first released statewide poll, the standing for the latter two men is inconsistent.  While this latter poll sees the Governor in better electoral position, he is still significantly behind the potential Republican nominee in a three-way general election.