QU poll says 'thumbs down to Keno'

Hamden, Conn. (WTNH) - Thumbs down to Keno and to bringing back tolls on the highways are two big items before the General Assembly.

Plus, one candidate for high office is still the favorite despite a controversy that has lasted for two full months. The trial to determine if Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz is legally qualified to run for Attorney General is tentatively scheduled to start the first week in April. But despite that cloud over her candidacy, she still is the first choice, by far, of Democratic voters in a potential primary. The latest opinion poll shows her topping her nearest rival, 54 percent to just 10 percent.

"Her numbers have gone down a little but she still has a huge lead in the Democratic primary for Attorney General," said Doug Schwartz of the Quinnipiac University Poll. "The negative headlines perhaps have taken a little bit of a toll on her, but not much."

Among the Democrats in that huge field running for Governor; former U.S. Senate candidate and millionaire businessman Ned Lamont leads the field, but he's in second place. 44 percent of Democrats say they are undecided, 28 percent prefer Lamont and 18 percent say they are for former Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy. Everyone else is way back in single digits.

Among that huge field of Republicans running for Governor, millionaire businessman Tom Foley is the leader. He's the only one running TV commercials, but he too is in second place. 50 percent of Republicans are undecided, Foley gets 30 percent, Lt. Governor Fedele 4 percent and everyone else is way back of him.

With fifteen or sixteen announced or unannounced candidates between the two parties, the public at large is not paying attention. "That's the big problem right now for the candidates is that they are largely unknown," added Schwartz.

In addition, the public is turning a big thumbs down to expanding gambling in the state. According to the QU Poll, people overwhelmingly opposed to establishing Keno in bars and restaurant to raise money.