IN-Sen: New poll gives Democrat Joe Donnelly slight edge over Republican Mike Braun

According to a new NBC News/Marist Poll, incumbent Sen. Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.) has a slight edge over his Republican opponent, businessman and former Indiana Rep. Mike Braun.

What are the details?

The poll, which was released Wednesday, revealed that 49 percent of likely voters have plans to vote for Donnelly in the state's November general election. The poll said 43 percent of likely voters planned to vote for Braun, and noted that 7 percent of voters were undecided.

The poll of more than 950 adults between Aug. 26-29 has a margin of error of 5 percentage points.

The survey also tested voters' opinions of the candidates, and found that voters have a more favorable view of Donnelly than of Braun, 49 percent to 39 percent.

Did the candidates respond to the poll?

In response to the poll, Donnelly's campaign manager Peter Hanscom said, “We don't need a poll to tell us that Joe's message of hard work, bipartisanship and Hoosier common sense is resonating with voters. For the next 60-plus days, we're continuing to keep our heads down, work hard, and talk to every voter to listen to their concerns and discuss how Joe will fight for Hoosiers in Washington next year.”

Braun spokesman Josh Kelley viewed the poll positively when compared to previous polls that showed a larger margin between the two contenders.

“Mike Braun is surging in the polls because Hoosiers are sick of talk from career politicians like Joe Donnelly and are ready for the solutions a job creator like Mike Braun will bring to Washington,” Kelley said. "Joe Donnelly will tell Hoosiers anything, Mike Braun will get things done: that's why Hoosier momentum is clearly building behind Braun."

Anything else?

Trump officially endorsed Braun last week during a campaign rally in Evansville, Indiana.

The Senate election in Indiana on Nov. 6 is 1 of 10 “most likely to flip in 2018,” CNN reported in January. At the time of this writing, the Cook Political Report calls the race a toss-up, as does Real Clear Politics.

Donnelly and Braun will face off in their first debate on Oct. 8. The second debate is set for Oct. 30.