The vote is today and we should have results early this evening on the Eastleigh by-election, formerly held by the LibDems.
The Evening Standard has this headline:
Eastleigh voters ‘less likely to run from Ukip canvassers’
And some voters interviewed say UKIP could pull off the surprise upset victory:
Voters in Eastleigh today admitted the result was too close to call as they headed for the polls to vote in the by-election.
About half of those who spoke to the Evening Standard at the Eastleigh Masonic Centre polling station said they thought voters would abandon the Lib-Dems — with all agreeing that Ukip stood a chance of a shock victory.
One voter said she was doing what many others were doing today: Voting UKIP.
“I have seen people going up to Ukip instead of avoiding them, whereas you see the other politicians and people run,” she said.
In the Telegraph, a leading Tory, David Davis, admitted that victory by UKIP or a close second behind the LibDem would be troublesome for the Prime Minister:
Speaking to BBC Two’s Daily Politics, David Davis, a former party leadership candidate, appeared to admit the possibility of the Conservatives coming third behind Ukip and the Liberal Democrats in Thursday’s crucial vote.
He said any result showing Ukip polling close behind the Tories would cause worries in the party but dismissed the idea that it would threaten the Prime Minister’s leadership.
Mr Davis said: “I think if we came third it would be a crisis, I think that’s the case, and if it’s a close second with UKIP on our tail it will also be uncomfortable.
Channel 4 News has a headline and a highlight:
Eastleigh: all eyes on Ukip surge
One senior Conservative tells me that the Tories are also picking up the Ukip surge on their radar in the seat but they’re not sure if the party is gaining its latest voters from the Lib Dem or the Tory pile. One Lib Dem said he thought Ukip was draining votes from all three main parties.
So, it appears it will be close with the most likely scenario: LibDems first, Tories second and UKIP third. But UKIP could come in second or even first. They should win if it is right. It would be the shot heard ’round Europe. Here is a live blog on today’s election from the Guardian.
Article written by: Elwood "Sandy" Sanders
About Elwood Sanders
Elwood "Sandy" Sanders is a Hanover attorney who is an Appellate Procedure Consultant for Lantagne Legal Printing and has written ten scholarly legal articles. Sandy was also Virginia's first Appellate Defender and also helped bring curling in VA! (None of these titles imply any endorsement of Sanders’ views)
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