Cooper leads Whatley by 9 points in last ECU poll before Election Day

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GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) - Former Governor Roy Cooper is still leading his Republican challenger Michael Whatley in the last East Carolina University poll for the state’s U.S. Senate race ahead of Election Day.

The poll, conducted last Monday through Thursday, has Cooper leading Whatley 54% to 45%, while 1% of those polled are supporting other candidates. The Democrat’s nine-point lead is up two points from the last ECU poll in October.

Cooper leads Whatley by 14 points when it comes to independent voters, according to the poll.

The economy and cost of living continue to drive voters to the polls, with 47% of those surveyed selecting it as the most important issue guiding how they’ll cast their ballot. Border security and immigration is second at 12%.

According to the poll, Cooper leads 67% to Whatley’s 33% among voters who picked the economy as their most important issue.