Almost half, 48 percent, of those surveyed for the Bluegrass Poll said they disapprove of McConnell's job performance. Only 35 percent took a positive view.
McConnell, a Republican first elected to the Senate in 1984, is seeking a sixth term. Grimes, a native of Kentucky, is a lawyer and daughter of a former state representative and Democratic Party official.
An Aug. 28 poll showed McConnell leading by 4 percentage points among likely voters. The new one showed him trailing Grimes 44 to 46 percent. While Grimes' lead is within the poll's margin of error, the 6-point swing suggests McConnell could be in trouble. While 3 percent said they plan to vote for Libertarian candidate David Patterson, 7 percent said they have not made up their minds.
More than half, 57 percent, said McConnell has had enough time in Washington. That included 27 percent of Republicans and 33 percent of self-described conservatives.
SurveyUSA polled 800 adults in Kentucky between Sept. 30 and Oct. 2, including 632 considered likely voters. The margin of error among likely voters is 4 percentage points.
