Hudson Employment Index, compiled each month by Rasmussen Reports, LLC, earned PR Week’s 2006 award for the most effective use of research to achieve company communication goals. The Hudson Index, which first appeared in January 2004, has become a leading directional indicator of the country’s job creation performance and unemployment rate.
Half of all Americans believe it takes a contribution of at least $50,000 to influence a Congressman or Governor. That includes 27% who believe the price of influence begins with at least $100,000.
Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty has lost ground against both of the major DFL candidates seeking his job. The DFL is Minnesota's equivalent of the Democratic Party.
Since last month, support for Democrat Ford Bell has jumped 7 points in a match-up with Republican Mark Kennedy. He now leads Kennedy 43% to 40%.
Incumbent Democrat Ted Kulongoski, faced with a strong challenge for the party nomination, is viewed favorably by just 50% of likely voters, and unfavorably by 46%.
Alabama Governor Bob Riley (R) holds a 16-point lead over Lt. Governor Lucy Baxley (D) and has moved over the 50% mark in terms over voter support.
With his administration freighted by scandal, Illinois Governor Rod R. Blagojevich (D), is a well-funded but controversial incumbent.
In a match-up of Ritter and Republican Congressman Bob Beauprez, Ritter leads 40% to 33%. Against University of Denver President Marc Holtzman, Ritter leads 41% to 28%, with 23% not sure.
Democratic Senator Robert Byrd is coasting to a ninth term in office.
Just 17% of Americans believe Dubai Ports World should be allowed to purchase operating rights to several U.S. ports.
Democratic Congressman Ben Cardin leads Lt. Governor Michael Steele (R) by fourteen points in the race to succeed retiring Senator Paul Sarbanes (D).
The latest Rasmussen Reports election poll shows Democratic Governor Ed Rendell narrowly leading Republican Lynn Swann, the former Pittsburgh Steeler, 46% to 43%.
Support for Hillary Clinton's Presidential bid remains near its lowest level of the past year.
Three-out-of-four Americans (76%) believe it is likely that Iran will soon develop nuclear weapons.
Republican Senator Rick Santorum continues to trail Democratic challenger Bob Casey, Jr. The latest Rasmussen Reports election poll shows Santorum behind by 16 percentage points, 52% to 36%.
The story of Paul Hackett's withdrawal from the U.S. Senate race in Ohio was a major event in the blogosphere and among political activists.
South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford (R) holds the early lead as he seeks to keep his job for another four years.
Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman (D) has angered the left wing of his own party with his position on the war in Iraq.
Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue (R) holds a 20-point lead over two challengers who would like to replace him as Governor.
Twenty-seven percent (27%) of Americans believe that the recent hunting accident involving Dick Cheney raises serious questions about his ability to serve as Vice President.
