2006 Senate races Bradley effect

polling numbers in harold ford s 2006 u.s. senate campaign did not exhibit bradley effect.

in 2006, there speculation bradley effect might appear in tennessee race united states senator between harold ford, jr. , white candidate bob corker. ford lost slim margin, examination of exit polling data indicated percentage of white voters voted him remained close percentage indicated in polls conducted prior election. several other 2006 biracial contests saw pre-election polls predict respective elections final results similar accuracy.

in race united states senator maryland, black republican candidate michael steele lost wider margin predicted late polls. however, polls correctly predicted steele s numbers, discrepancy in margin of defeat resulting underestimating numbers white democratic opponent, longtime representative ben cardin. same polls underestimated democratic candidate in state s race governor—a race in both candidates white.

the overall accuracy of polling data 2006 elections cited, both argue bradley effect has diminished in american politics, , doubt existence in first place. when asked issue in 2007, douglas wilder indicated while believed there still need black candidates wary of polls, felt voters displaying more openness in polling responses , becoming less resistant giving accurate answer case @ time of gubernatorial election. when asked possibility of seeing bradley effect in 2008, joe trippi, had been deputy campaign manager tom bradley in 1982, offered similar assessment, saying, country has come hell of long way. think s mistake think there ll kind of big surprise there in bradley campaign in 1982. think d mistake say, s gone.