Brad Sherman Poll Shows 17-Point Lead Over Howard Berman; Berman Goes On Offense, Launches Attack Site

By Gene Maddaus Thu., Jul. 26 2012 at 5:50 PM

Rep. Brad Sherman

Rep. Brad Sherman released a poll today showing he has a 17-point lead in the November runoff against fellow Democratic rival Howard Berman.

Sherman beat Berman by 10 points in the June primary. If he has any chance of turning that around, the more centrist Berman will have to score big with Republicans, while cutting into Sherman's margins among Democrats.

But the Sherman poll -- and of course take it with a grain of salt -- shows Sherman beating Berman even among Republicans, 41-34. If true, that's really bad for Berman.

In response, the Berman campaign did not even bother to dispute the numbers. Instead, they went on offense.

"There is a lot of chatter coming from Brad Sherman about this race being over," said Brandon Hall, Berman's strategist. "We hope he continues to buy that storyline... Brad Sherman knows the race is just beginning, and we are confident as voters learn more about Brad, his support will evaporate."

To that end, the Berman campaign on Wednesday unveiled a new website, BradShermanFacts.com, which aims to expose Sherman's 15-year record of feckless showboating.

The Berman campaign also released a leaked Sherman staff memo, in which Sherman instructs his staff to flag any bill that passes out of committee with Democratic support for his potential co-sponsorship.

The Berman site says this as evidence of "The Brad Sherman Show Horse Strategy." Sherman's consultant, Parke Skelton, responded that this was a routine and unremarkable restatement of "long-standing policy."

Below, the Sherman poll memo.
Sherman Poll

Tags:

Brad Sherman, CD-30, Howard Berman, poll

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trojan80

Can't imagine any Republican voting for Sherman.

Sherman has been in that seat since 97, berman since 85.

Sherman is in his 50s, berman is in his 70s.

Berman would retire first, probably in 2016, leaving the seat open and competitive for a republican or moderate.

Sherman could be in that seat for another 20 years.

So why would Republicans support Sherman?

ArthurCSchaper

To "Dying earth" and anyone else living in the 33rd Congressional District:

From Rancho Palos Verdes through the entire Santa Monica Bay . . .

There is a real deal viable alternative to Henry Waxman the Taxman

Independent Bill Bloomfield is running against the Waxman tax-and-spend juggernaut.

Visit "Waxman Watch" for more information

waxmanwatch.blogpsot.com

Do not throw away your vote -- vote Bill Bloomfield for the 33rd!

dyingearth

@ArthurCSchaper Due to redistricting of 2012, Henry Waxman isn't in my district anymore. That's what I mean. My current choice is between Sherman and Berman, so tell me what's my choice?

vasili10

These guys become junkies to power and they never want to let it go. Howard, go fishing before senility sets in.

dyingearth

For the first time in 20 years, I'm not voting against Henry Waxman. Not that there is actually a viable alternative in this race for me. So I'm just going to leave Congressman blank for this election.

ArthurCSchaper

@dyingearth

Once again- - -

check out "Waxman Watch"

waxmanwatch.blogspot.com

Bill Bloomfield for the 33rd!

JuniperoSerra

When are politicians gonna learn that digging through the trash of their opponents and going negative is going to hurt their popularity? No wonder people don't seem to like Howard Berman.