Polls Give GOP Edge in Georgia, Kentucky, and Louisiana Senate Races

Picking up momentum

Just days before the midterm elections, Republican Senate candidates are in strong positions in three key Southern states, putting the GOP well within striking distance of regaining control of the upper chamber, according to brand-new NBC News/Marist polls.

In Kentucky, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell leads Democrat Alison Grimes by nine points among likely voters, 50 percent to 41 percent.

In Georgia, Republican David Perdue leads Democrat Michelle Nunn 48 percent to 44 percent.

And while Democrat Sen. Mary Landrieu in Louisiana leads in a three-way contest with 44 percent of the vote, she trails in a hypothetical runoff against either Republican candidate –Rep. Bill Cassidy or Tea Party candidate Rob Maness.