Del Papa still holds big lead in AG's race

Del Papa was the choice of 54 percent of those surveyed, compared with 27 percent who favored Scherer, a Las Vegas lawyer and former assemblyman. Three percent chose the "none-of-the-above" option and 16 percent were undecided.

"It is really gratifying to have those kind of favorable numbers, given my length of service and the kinds of decisions I have to make," said Del Papa, who's seeking a third four-year term.

The telephone poll of 838 registered voters was conducted between Monday and Wednesday by Mason-Dixon Political/Media Research Inc.

It was commissioned by the Las Vegas Review-Journal and KTNV-TV, Channel 13. It has a 3.5 percent margin of error either way.

Del Papa is expected to easily win her Democratic primary race Tuesday against Marilyn O'Connor of Fallon. Scherer faces no primary opposition.

The latest poll showed no erosion in Del Papa's support since two earlier polls this summer.

Del Ali, Mason-Dixon's senior vice president, said Scherer has little chance of winning unless he embarks on a negative campaign.

"He has to attack her," Ali said. "If he attacks her, he better have meat and potatoes behind it. It is really her race to lose."

Scherer said he thinks his campaign will get a boost when he begins running television ads.

"I don't think we can win unless we go on TV," he said. "I think we certainly have to talk about things that we would do differently than her, but that doesn't mean we get into personal attacks."

The latest poll found 50 percent of those surveyed could not identify Scherer. Just 4 percent did not recognize Del Papa.

Scherer so far has raised $340,000 for his campaign, while Del Papa has collected $228,000.

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