Many people have written recently with various forms of the same message: "National polls don't matter in the Presidential Race. As we learned four years ago, the only thing that counts is the Electoral College."
Four years ago, George W. Bush won New Hampshire's four Electoral Votes by a single percentage point (48% to 47%). In Election 2004, it may be that close again.
As for Senator Kerry, just 11% of voters believe he favors sending more troops to Iraq. Most voters (including a majority of Democrats), believe Kerry is opposed to sending more troops.
In New Jersey, Senator John F. Kerry leads President George W. Bush 51% to 39%. Four years ago, Bush lost the state by sixteen points to Al Gore, 56% to 40%.
When it comes to issues of national defense and the War on Terror, Garden State voters are evenly divided as to who would do a better job--45% say Bush and another 45% say Kerry. Nationally, Bush has a significant edge on this issue.
New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey trails Bret Schundler 46% to 39% in the latest Rasmussen Reports poll. Three years ago, in the 2001 election, McGreevey trounced Schundler by 14 percentage points. The New Jersey Governor's race will be held in November 2005.
Sometimes it is important to pull back from the day-to-day numbers and take a look at the history of Presidential Elections. When you compare the parties over the past 100 years or so, it becomes clear that Republicans and Democrats typically win the Presidency in different ways.
President Bush's Press Conference had a modestly positive impact on public perceptions in Iraq.
On the two nights following the Press Conference, 46% say the U.S. is safer today than it was before 9/11. Just 39% disagree.
In West Virginia, President Bush leads John Kerry by five percentage points, 46% to 41%. Four years ago, Bush won the state by six points over Al Gore, 52% to 46%.
In Colorado, President Bush leads John Kerry by just five percentage points, 49% to 44%. Four years ago, Bush won Colorado by nine points over Al Gore, 51% to 42%.
Pete Coors is a political newcomer, but he's already competitive in the race for Colorado's U.S. Senate seat. A day after announcing his entry into the race, Coors trails Attorney General Ken Salazar by just six percentage points, 47% to 41%.
Florida voters are a bit more optimistic about the U.S. economy than voters across the nation.
In the state of Florida, the race to replace retiring Senator Bob Graham is a toss-up. While the party nominees have not been selected, match-ups among some leading candidates show this seat is up for grabs in Election 2004.
In the state of Florida, the race for President is a toss-up. The latest Rasmussen Reports survey finds Massachusetts Senator John F. Kerry attracting 47% of the vote in the Sunshine State and President George W. Bush earning 46%.
Florida voters like outgoing Senator Bob Graham more than other leading political figures in the state of Florida. Graham is viewed favorably by 59% of Florida voters and unfavorably by just 33%.
Republicans and Democrats have entirely different perspectives on the U.S. economy.
In the wake of Condoleezza Rice's testimony before a national television audience, 50% of American voters have a favorable view of the nation's National Security Advisor. Just 24% have an unfavorable view, while 26% are not sure or do not know who she is.
The Hudson Employment Index remained steady this month at 106.8. That's essentially unchanged from last month's figure of 106.9. Overall, employee optimism about the workforce is up 7% from the beginning of the year.
The 1896 election had two lasting impacts on American life. First, it launched an era of Republican dominance that enabled the GOP to occupy the White House for 28 out of the next 36 years. The second impact was that it may have inspired The Wizard of Oz, a classic American tale that became an annual staple of prime time television in the pre-Cable, pre-Internet era.
Over the past couple of weeks, many people have asked why we're not including Ralph Nader by name in our tracking poll (we do include "some other candidate").
The Hudson Employment Index gained gained another point-and-a-half this month, signaling a more positive outlook on employment conditions.
