Orman tops Roberts in new poll

A new poll shows independent U.S. Senate candidate Greg Orman leading Republican incumbent Pat Roberts by 46-41 percent.

The survey, taken Saturday through Tuesday for USA Today and Suffolk University, showed that 11 percent were undecided, which suggests the race remains in play with about a month to go before election day.

The poll did not include a Democrat. A Shawnee County court ruled Wednesday that the Kansas Democratic Party does not have to place a candidate on the ballot.

“Orman has gained from Democratic nominee Chad Taylor’s dropping out of the race in September, and now he’s presenting a solid challenge to longtime Senator Pat Roberts,” said David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center in Boston.

In the governor’s race, Democrat Paul Davis continued to hold a small lead over incumbent Sam Brownback by 46-42 percent, the poll showed.

In the race for secretary of state, incumbent Kris Kobach led Democrat Jean Schodorf by 45-40 percent.