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DEL.ICIO.USMSNBC on Strategic Vision poll: Huckabee leads in Georgia
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
MSNBC has got its hands on a Strategic Vision poll that will be released tomorrow, showing that Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee has grabbed the lead from Fred Thompson in Georgia.
Strategic Vision is a Republican-oriented public affairs firm in Atlanta.
“Huckabee grabs the top spot with 23%, up from just 5% from the same poll conducted in October. Thompson polls at 20%, down from 39%. Giuliani receives 17%, down from 20%.”
On the Democratic side:
“Clinton has lost six points but still leads, with 34%. Obama’s polling remains unchanged at 27%.”
Margin of error is 5 percent on the Republican side, and 5.5 percent on the Democratic side.
Addendum: We’ve now got the entire note that Strategic Vision put out on the poll. See it on the jump.
Atlanta, GA/December 12, 2007 - Strategic Vision, LLC, a public relations and public affairs agency, announced the results of a three-day poll of 800 likely Georgia voters. The poll has a margin of error of ±3 percentage points. In the poll, 368 (46%) Republican voters were surveyed; with 328 (41%) Democratic voters surveyed; and 104 (13%) Independents and other party affiliation polled.
The poll found that 56% of respondents approved of Governor Sonny Perdue’s job performance, with 34% disapproving, and 10% undecided. Senator Saxby Chambliss received a 53% approval rating with 34% disapproving, and 13% undecided. Senator Johnny Isakson received a 58% approval rating, with 33% disapproving, and 9% undecided.
“Governor Perdue and Senator Isakson remain the most popular figures in Georgia,” said David E. Johnson, CEO and Co-Founder of Strategic Vision, LLC. “Their popularity transcends political lines and is consistent through all sections of the state.”
In a potential Senate match-up between Republican Senator Saxby Chambliss and Democrat DeKalb County CEO Vernon Jones, Chambliss led 57% to 27%; with 16% undecided. In a potential match-up between Chambliss and Democrat Dale Cardwell, Chambliss led with 57% to 25% for Cardwell, and 18% undecided. In a potential match-up between Chambliss and Democrat Rand Knight, Chambliss led 58% to 23% with 19% undecided. In a potential match-up between Chambliss and Democrat Josh Lanier, Chambliss led 58% to 22% with 20% undecided.
“At this point, Senator Chambliss is well positioned for re-election and is particularly strong in South and North Georgia,” said Johnson. “The base Democratic vote at this point appears to be between 25% to 30% starting off which will pose a challenge for the Democrats to expand upon, especially as Georgia’s Senate race will not be targeted by Democrats due to races with more potential in Minnesota, New Hampshire, Maine, Virginia, New Mexico, and Nebraska.”
President Bush’s overall approval was 39% approving, 45% disapproving, and 16% undecided. When asked if they approved of the President’s handling of the economy, 41% approved; 44% disapproved; and 15% were undecided. When asked if they approved of the President’s handling of the Iraq War, 39% approved; 45% disapproved; and 16% were undecided. When asked if they approved of the President’s handling of the war on terrorism, 53% said approved; 38% disapproved; and 9% were undecided.
“The President’s poll support is far lower then what one would expect in a state like Georgia for a Republican despite making gains since our October poll,” said Johnson. “Much of this low support is due to dissatisfaction among Republicans except on the issue of defense.”
When asked if they favored an immediate withdrawal of United States military forces from Iraq within 6 months, 41% said yes; 46% said no; and 13% were undecided.
“The number of Georgians who favor an immediate withdrawal from Iraq decreased slightly since our October poll,” said Johnson.
When Republicans were asked if they viewed President Bush as a conservative in the mode of Ronald Reagan, 7% said yes; 79% said no; and 14% were undecided.
“The President continues to be in trouble with his conservative base as demonstrated by this question,” said Johnson. “Rank and file Republicans feel betrayed by the President and feel that he has deserted from the conservative path. Republican candidates now barely mention the President’s name and instead invoke the name of Reagan. Yet, as of now, none of the presidential candidates have been able to convince Republican voters that they fit the Reagan tradition.”
When asked if voters approved or disapproved of the way Congress is handling its job, 16% approved; 74% disapproved; and 10% were undecided.
“For Democrats the good news should be that the President’s poll numbers are so low in a Republican leaning state like Georgia that it may affect Republican candidates. Yet the flip side is that voters don’t approve of the Democratic Congress which could hurt incumbents like John Barrow and Jim Marshall,” said Johnson.
When asked if they thought Georgia was headed in the right direction or wrong direction, 54% said right direction; 33% said wrong direction; and 13% were undecided.
When Republicans were polled on whom they would support in 2008 for the Republican Presidential nomination, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee received 23%; former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson received 20%; former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani received 17%; Arizona Senator John McCain received 11%; former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney received 10%; Texas Congressman Ron Paul received 4%; Congressman Tom Tancredo 2%; California Congressman Duncan Hunter 1%; and 12% undecided.
“The Republican race remains extremely volatile and appears that it could be heavily influenced by earlier contests,” said Johnson. “Huckabee has surged among social conservatives and also with young voters. Thompson has tumbled dramatically in Georgia as he has in other states. Georgia would appear to favor a candidate like Huckabee over Giuliani. The other trend that is worth noting is that McCain is recovering slightly in Georgia as he is in other states and could be boosted if he were to win New Hampshire.”
When Republicans were asked how important it was for their presidential candidate to be conservative in the mode of Ronald Reagan, 56% said very important; 24% said somewhat important; 5% said not very important; 7% said not important; and 8% were undecided.
“With 80% of Georgia Republicans viewing it as being important, that their presidential candidate is a conservative in the mode of Ronald Reagan, the key to victory in the primaries will be appealing to that constituency,” said Johnson. “At this time, Huckabee appears to be persuading Republicans that he is that man, as Thompson did in October thus belying the volatility of this race.”
On the Democratic side, New York Senator Hillary Clinton led with 34%; Illinois Senator Barack Obama 27%; former North Carolina Senator John Edwards received 12%; New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson received 5%; Delaware Senator Joseph Biden received 2%; Connecticut Senator Chris Dodd received 1%; Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich 1%; and 18% were undecided.
“Clinton’s lead has declined significantly since October but Obama has not closed the sale nor able to increase his support in Georgia,” said Johnson. “Older African-Americans continue to be the cornerstone of Clinton’s support.”
When Democratic voters were asked what they most looked for in a presidential candidate, charisma, experience, or ideology, 32% selected experience; 28% selected ideology; 25% said charisma; and 15% were undecided.
Comments
By UNaffiliated Voter
December 11, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this
They just dont want to acknowledge the amazing support machine in place for Ron Paul, do they?
www.TeaParty07.com
www.DailyPaul.com
By Gene Hoke
December 11, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this
Huckabee = government being run by religion.
By CobbGOPer
December 11, 2007 5:14 PM | Link to this
It is good to see this good man doing so well. There is still a lot of time left on the proverbial clock, but it is encouraging to see a man the “experts” said didn’t have a snowball’s chance to win do so well. I am happy that it isn’t just about the money - but about the man and the message.
By tim Raymond
December 11, 2007 7:48 PM | Link to this
Good Lord … the Paulines are everywhere! Do they realize how annoying cults are tot he rest of us?
What flavor is that Kool-Aid?
By Another taxpayer
December 11, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this
Why not an experienced, charismatic, ideolog? People in general tend to develop a mindset that is progressively harder to sway with time. We all need to be able to step back and view things in a different light from time to time. To think outside the box. We are not a country of Republican vs. Democrat. We are a country of far greater complexity but with some that want to force us to fit within their molds. I don’t want to be so fitted. For me, I have yet to find a candidate better suited for president than Ron Paul.
By Churchill
December 11, 2007 8:06 PM | Link to this
Then you haven’t been looking very hard, Another taxpayer. Ru Paul is a rube.
By pinechee
December 11, 2007 8:56 PM | Link to this
Ron Paul believes that the free market will take care of everything. The problem with that is if we let the free market take care of everything, greed will take care of us.
By Unsure
December 12, 2007 12:47 AM | Link to this
I dont think Huckabee is the answer. A very sincere and religious man. He just does not have what I think is the leadership we need. If the election were today, I would have to vote for Mrs. Clinton. Me and many of my friends are starting to take notice to her. I have always voted for someone on the Republican side. This is the first election that I will not look at a particular party. I have lost many benefits under Bush the past 7 years. And the republicans that want to be president who were in congress under Bush voted for everything that worked against me. The republicans are leaving many of us to give the democrats a try. I dont see a republican right now who can challenge Mrs. Clinton before November.
By Ken Roberts
December 12, 2007 2:43 AM | Link to this
It’s the flavor of liberty, Tim.
By Ken Roberts
December 12, 2007 2:47 AM | Link to this
Google Ron Paul.
By Bitter EX democrackkk
December 12, 2007 6:53 AM | Link to this
Join the magic that IS the RON PAUL rEVOLution in America!
In conjunction with the anniversary of the Boston Tea Party this Saturday, Dec. 16th, please remember to DONATE to the Ron Paul campign as we break another new record of $10 Million!
Dont forget to follow the RonPaulBlimp.com to New Hampshire where we will have hundreds of college kids canvassing the whole state for Ron Paul prior to their primary! Cool or WHAT???
The RonPaulBlimp.com project is political GENIUS at its FINEST, and orchestrated by RP SUPPORTERs, not the campaign!!! Do you see this from other camps???? Not hardly!
By Reagan Conservative
December 12, 2007 8:03 AM | Link to this
DEMS HOLD FIRE ON HUCKABEE; SEE ‘EASY KILL’ IN GENERAL ELECTION From Drudge Report:
Tue Dec 11 2007 10:27:53 ET
Exclusive
Democrat party officials are avoiding any and all criticism of Republican presidential contender Mike Huckabee, insiders reveal.
The Democratic National Committee has told staffers to hold all fire, until he secures the party’s nomination.
The directive has come down from the highest levels within the party, according to a top source.
Within the DNC, Huckabee is known as the “glass jaw — and they’re just waiting to break it.”
In the last three weeks since Huckabee’s surge kicked in, the DNC hasn’t released a single press release criticizing his rising candidacy.
The last DNC press release critical of Huckabee appeared back on March 2nd.
[DNC Press Release Attack Summary:
Governor Mitt Romney (R-MA) – 37% (99 press releases) Mayor Rudy Giuliani (R-NY) – 28% (74) Senator John McCain (R-AZ) – 24% (64) Senator Fred Thompson (R-TN) – 8% (20) Governor Mike Huckabee – 2% (4)]
In fact, as the story broke over the weekend that Huckabee said he wanted to isolate AIDS patients back in 1992, the DNC ignored the opportunity to slam the candidate from the left.
“He’ll easily be their McGovern, an easy kill,” mocked one senior Democrat operative Tuesday morning from Washington.
“His letting out murderers because they shout ‘Jesus’, his wanting to put 300,000 AIDS patients and Magic Johnson into isolation, ain’t even scratching the surface of what we’ve got on him.”
The discipline the Democrats have shown in not engaging Huckabee has earned the praise of one former Republican Party official:
“The Democrats are doing a much better job restraining themselves than the GOP did in 2003 when Howard Dean looked like he was on the brink of winning the nomination.”
A close friend to Huckabee explains: “Look, Mike is Hillary Clinton’s worst nightmare. They should be squirming.”
By Reagan Conservative
December 12, 2007 8:05 AM | Link to this
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071211/aponelpr/huckabeesurvey
Huckabee’s 1992 words get new attention
There are new revelations every day about Huckabee. I will not vote for him if he is the GOP nominee.
By Michael McKinney
December 12, 2007 9:03 AM | Link to this
Are you serious? MIKE HUCKABEE??? The man should NEVER even be allowed to run for anything; he’s a preacher. I guess the bass-akward people of Georgia have no concept of separation of church and state. I wish I could leave this backwards, ridiculous, “christian” state and, before all you “christians” invite me to leave if I don’t like it, trust me, I would if I could! Idiots.
By SouthPaw
December 12, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this
Unsure……….you really ARE unsure. I don’t know one Republican…and in my business..I know lots!!! That are throwing in the towel on Republicans…and I am VERY SURE they are not following Hillary Clinton. I think you are a masked Democrat trying to fake a message in here!!!
By Iron Mike
December 12, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this
Hey Michael McKinney at 9:03:
Here’s a link for you pal:
http://www.greyhound.com/home/
You’re welcome.
By GeorgiaValues
December 12, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this
Saxby is cruising to victory.
He has a 30 point lead over VJ and a sweet new campaign website up - www.Saxby.org
By Sherry Baker
December 12, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this
I’m not surprised Huckabee is leading — people are used to the shallow, the image, what sounds good.. jingos, and just plain BS.. hey he’s a “minister”, he invokes Jesus, he must be what we need, right? HA. Look at the facts,PLEASE USE YOUR BRAINS, folks..As governor of Arkansas, Huckabee increased state spending by more than 65 percent — at three times the rate of inflation. HE’S A BIG GOVERNMENT guy…government workers increased by 20 percent under his governorship.Thestate’s debt services increased by about $1 billion. Under Huckabee the average Arkansan’s tax burden increased 47 percent, according to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette — he upped taxes on everything from groceries to nursing home beds. AND HE’S A SMARMY, SLICK LIAR.. he “cut taxes 94 times” while governor. True. - except most of those tax cuts were MINISCULE, i.e. exempting residential lawn care from the sales tax. THE TRUTH IS, face it, net, Huckabee increased state taxes by more than $500 million. What’s more Huckabee increased taxes in the state by more than Bill Clinton.
On its annual governor’s report card, Cato gave Huckabee an “F” for fiscal policy. Huckabee doesn’t only embrace big government in terms of high taxes. HE WANTS BIG BROTHER to tell us how to live.. and he has no clue that this is NOT A THEOCRACY.. he’s not very bright. Don’t be stupid, too. He’s NOT the answer.. unless you want this country to sink further into the bog of debt and stupidity. Instead, support a man who is smart, knows economics and deals in facts, not BS - www.ronpaul2008.com
By Serious Voter
December 12, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this
I am voting for Ron Paul. Nobody called me to ask who I was supporting.
The idea that Thompson has 20% in Georgia tells me this poll is way off.
By Sherry Baker
December 12, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this
EVEN FAUX NEWS calls Huckabee a Big Government guy.. THIS is what you want? http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,316496,00.html
And for the name caller who refers to people who support Dr. Ron Paul as “paulies” and members of a cult.. you might want to consider the possibility in dealing in facts and not ridiculous accusations and silly jabs . Rep. Paul’s base is huge and dedicated and encompasses a broad spectrum of Americans who are TIRED of being sold the proverbial bill of goods. We are not going to take it any more. We are going to take back our great Republic!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWfIhFhelm8
By phil w
December 12, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this
While driving on a road trip with my son several years ago, we were between Hope and Crossett when an ad comes on the radio for the Arkansas Army National Guard…. IN SPANISH.
Huckabee has been shown to be a panderer to the illegal alien lobby and to support large employers of illegals in Arkansas. He does not have the character or integrity to lead this nation. If he refuses to uphold the constitution at the state level what makes you think he will change once the CFR gives him his orders???
Huckabee is a faux conservative just like CFR members Thompson, Julie Annie and Romney.
By Brian
December 12, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this
The last thing we need is another evangelic christian that talks and takes orders from god. 8 years of Bush was more than plenty. kthxbye
By Michael
December 13, 2007 12:50 AM | Link to this
Hey Iron Mike…I guess the “Iron” in your screen name refers to that thing between your ears most of the rest of us thinking people call a brain. Don’t call me your “pal.” I’d never be a pal to an idiot.