SUSA MO-GOV GOP Primary: Tight Race

SurveyUSA Missouri Poll conducted 5/16-5/18 of 400 Republican LVs:

Rep. Kenny Hulsholf 29%
Treasurer Sarah Steelman 25%
Teacher Scott Long 10%
Retiree Jan Seviers 4%

While Hulsholf only has a four point lead in this poll, the numbers are really better for him than they look at first glance. Keep in mind that Steelman is well-known statewide as Treasurer, a position that's elected on a statwide basis. Hulsholf, however, was a congressman representing only 1/9 of the state, in a district that is basically outside the St. Louis and Kansas City metro areas. Hulsholf is appealing a bit more to the Republican base, as he does a bit better among conservatives and pro-life voters, while Steelman does a little better among moderates and pro-choice Republicans. Hulsholf runs way ahead in the St. Louis area in Northern Missouri, but has to make himself better known to the large block of Republican voters in SW Missouri, which is the opposite corner of the state from the district he represents in Congress. The primary is August 8th.