Voters in Competitive Races Back Democrats, Poll Says

[boise1]

By Brian Faler

Oct. 17 (Bloomberg) -- A majority of voters living in the nation's most hotly contested congressional districts prefer Democratic candidates in this year's midterm elections, according to a new poll.

A survey conducted for National Public Radio found that 51 percent of voters living in the nation's 48 most competitive House districts said they plan to support a Democrat in the Nov. 7 contest. Forty percent said they intend to back a Republican candidate.

The districts, chosen based on rankings by election handicappers including the Washington-based Cook Political Report, included 38 Republican seats, 9 Democratic seats and one independent seat. Twelve are open seats.

The survey, conducted Oct. 6-11 and Oct. 13. by Public Opinion Strategies and Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research, found voters in a foul mood. Almost two thirds -- 64 percent -- said they are pessimistic about the overall direction of the country. Fifty-six percent said they disapprove of President George W. Bush. Of those, 44 percent said they ``strongly disapprove'' of the chief executive.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=agsijyc75r3I&refer=us

[brentspeak]

1. Depends completely on turnout. The Democrats will lose unless

we can rally people to go to the polls and vote.

[Zynx]

2. Contrary to popular opinion, we didn't get hosed on turnout versus

polls in 2000 and 2004. In 2000, Bush actually led in most polls by 2-3 points and we beat him in the popular vote:
http://pollingreport.com/2000.htm#LATEST

In 2004, while some polls showed it even:
http://pollingreport.com/2004.htm
It was once again within keeping of final results. Republicans would have to completely blow us out in turnout to make this work this year and that ain't happening.

[demo dutch]

6. Amazing to me,that we have to "rally" them to vote. You would think people

are so pissed off they'll be motivated to just show up

[Seedersandleechers]

3. It depends on how Diebold is feeling on election day, and

how many voters get purged.

[demo dutch]

5. If we don't show in HUGE numbers, they may be able to steel it

[onehandle]

4. Pray for a mild, sunny day across America. nt

[HockeyMom]

7. Anger

Is VERY motivating.