A revelatory set of recent polling questions shows an Alabama public deeply dissatisfied with President Bush and national and state GOP leadership.
For the first time in four years, more Alabmians are identifying themselves as Dems than Republicans. And by a huge margin (52-36) Alabama voters would not vote for George W. Bush if the election were held today.
More analysis and the complete polling results below.
Montgomery, AL - For the first time in the past 4 years, more Alabamians are identifying themselves as Democrats than as Republicans. Citing polling data of Capital Survey Research of 852 registered voters taken from April 11-13 and April 18-19, the Alabama Democratic Party says 46.5% of Alabamians now identify themselves as Democrats and 43.4% as Republican. The poll shows an almost even number will vote in the respective primaries.
"This is an amazing turnaround. Similar polling from as recent as 2004 showed Republicans with a 12 point lead in party identification," says Alabama Democratic Party Chairman Joe Turnham. "We are now approaching having a majority of Alabama voters identifying themselves as Democrats" says Turnham. "The soaring trade and budget deficits, the quagmire in Iraq, skyrocketing gas prices, and a loss of American influence in the world along with a real failure to enact true homeland security at our own ports has eroded Alabamians views of President Bush and Republican leadership in general" noted Turnham.
Only 33.2% of Alabamians think the United States is on the `right track' and 46.6% think our nation is on the `wrong track'. If the election for President were held today, 51.6% of Alabamians would vote for someone other than George W. Bush. Furthermore, a majority (51.1%) now thinks the Iraq war "is not worth it" for the United States, compared to 39.6% who think it is.
"As Alabama Republicans shrilly attack Democrats each day, maybe they should be more self-reflective on their falling status among Alabama voters. Voters expect both parties to squarely address the war, the deficits created in Washington, and how to solve real problems for our state and local communities in a real bi-partisan fashion. Today's polling results show Democrats have a real chance to win statewide races, including state court seats, as well as build on our majorities in the Alabama House and Senate and in Courthouses throughout this state." concluded Turnham.
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Complete Polling Results
Capital Survey Research Center
2006 ELECTION SURVEY IV (06006)
852 Registered Voters
April 11-13, 18-19, 2006
SME +/-3.5%
1. Overall, do you think the United States is currently:
Frequency Percent
--------- -------
1 On the right track 283 33.2%
2 On the wrong track 397 46.6%
3 Don't Know / No Reply / Other 172 20.3%
Total Qualified 852
2. If the primary election for governor and other state and local offices were today, in which party primary would you most likely vote?
Frequency Percent
--------- -------
1 Democratic Party Primary 378 44.3%
2 Republican Party Primary 400 46.9%
3 Don't Know / No Reply / Other 74 8.7%
Total Qualified 852
3. If the general election for President were today and George Bush were a candidate, would you vote:
Frequency Percent
--------- -------
1 To reelect George Bush 304 35.7%
2 For someone other than George Bush 440 51.6%
3 Don't Know / No Reply / Other 108 12.7%
Total Qualified 852
4. At this time, do you believe the war in Iraq is worth it for the United States?
Frequency Percent
--------- -------
1 Yes, is worth it 338 39.6%
2 No, is not worth it 436 51.1%
3 Don't Know / No Reply 78 9.2%
Total Qualified 852
5. Regardless of how you generally vote, do you think of yourself as a:
Frequency Percent
--------- -------
1 Democrat 396 46.5%
2 Republican 370 43.4%
3 Independent 37 4.3%
3 Don't Know / No Reply / Other 50 5.8%
Total Qualified 852