New Polling Data Shows Encouraging Signs For Bush Campaign
A variety of new polling data offer encouraging news for the Bush-Cheney campaign from Electoral College counts, solidifying support among "leaners" and Hispanics. U.S. News and World Report reports in its Washington Whispers column that "new Bush-Cheney internal polling shows that President Bush has turned around his Electoral College deficit and is now leading by a few votes more than the 270 needed to win." The Wall Street Journal reports in its "Convention Wire" column that a Zogby poll shows "nearly three-quarters of people who have identified themselves as leaning toward voting for President Bush – but not yet certain they will – say they favor him more strongly now, based on what they have seen of or heard about the Republican convention." Bush "now enjoys stronger support from 71% of these leaning voters."
Democrats Worry Martinez Win Could Cost Kerry Florida.
Former Housing and Human Services Secretary Mel Martinez's win in the Florida Republican Senate primary could potentially offer President Bush "reverse coattails" in that battleground state. Martinez, if elected, would be the first Cuban-American Senator. His candidacy is expected to energize older, more conservative Cubans, a demographic group known for turning out to support Cuban-American congressional candidates in Florida. The Hill reports even Democratic strategists "are worried that Mel Martinez's Senate primary victory this week will have a galvanizing effect on Cuban-American turnout in November, possibly putting Florida's 27 electoral votes out of reach for Sen. John Kerry." The Los Angeles Times reports Miami pollster Sergio Bendixen said, "Having Mel Martinez out on the streets of Florida, trying to drum up votes, will definitely help President Bush in the eyes of older Cuban American voters." But Roll Call reports that while Republicans "were optimistic about their ability to unify before November, Democrats were equally if not more enthusiastic about" Betty Castor's "general election prospects after her crushing 30-point primary victory."
Bush "Sensing Political Momentum" For First Time In A Year.
As he prepares to give his speech to the GOP convention, the Washington Post says Bush is "sensing political momentum for the first time in more than a year." Tonight, adds the Christian Science Monitor, his campaign is counting on the President's "ability to reach into American living rooms and connect once again. With approval ratings at or just below 50 percent, Bush doesn't need to win back many of those who left his side. But he needs some."
