Larson campaign scoffs at poll

U.S. Rep. John Larson's campaign manager, Chris Barnes, doubts a new poll showing a tighter than expected race is correct.
"Our internal numbers show us it's not true," Barnes said.
He said he doesn't want to squander time detailing the poll's failings.
Barnes said that even though the poll may help Republican challenger Ann Brickley raise more money, it will be more than outweighed by its potential to energize the Democratic base.
"It'll help with base enthusiasm," Barnes said.
He said that everyone knows it is "a tough year" for Democrats, but there's no need to worry unduly.
"We're just going to carry on like it might be true, because we always do it that way," Barnes said.
He said the campaign is going to have do more to remind voters that "John Larson is a Connecticut guy," who grew up in East Hartford, taught school, owned a business and spent time in politics pushing for policies that put people to work.
"We have to remind people of his story because it's a great story," Barnes said.
Barnes last worked for Larson in the congressman's unsuccessful gubernatorial campaign in 1994, when he worried they didn't do enough field work. This time around, he's determined to get the grass roots involved.
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