Strategic Vision, LLC, an Atlanta-headquartered public relations and public affairs agency, announced the results of a three-day poll of 800 likely voters in Washington.
The poll has a margin of error of plus-or-minus 3 percentage points.
In the poll, 368 (46 percent) of the respondents identified themselves as Democrats; 296 (37 percent) of the respondents identified themselves as Republicans; and 136 (17 percent) of the respondents identified themselves as Independents or other party affiliation.
The poll showed that the Obama/Biden ticket leads McCain/Palin ticket 47 percent to 42 percent with 3 percent for other candidates; and 8 percent undecided.
The poll showed that 51 percent viewed Barack Obama favorably with 35 percent viewing him unfavorably; and 14 percent undecided. Joseph Biden was viewed favorably by 45 percent of respondents with 36 percent viewing him unfavorably; and 19 percent undecided. John McCain was viewed favorably by 49 percent of respondents with 36 percent viewing him unfavorably; and 15 percent undecided. Sarah Palin was viewed favorably by 50 percent of respondents with 33 percent viewing her unfavorably; and 17 percent undecided.
President Bush’s job approval was at 18 percent; with 71 percent disapproving; and 11 percent undecided.
When asked to rate the President’s handling of the economy, 14 percent approved; 76 percent disapproved; and 10 percent were undecided.
On the issue of Iraq, the poll found 29 percent approved of the President’s handling; with 62 percent disapproving; and 9 percent undecided.
On the President’s handling on the war on terrorism, 48 percent approved; 44 percent disapproved; and 8 percent were undecided.
In the general election matchup between Governor Christine Gregoire and Republican opponent Dino Rossi, the poll found that 48 percent said they would vote for Rossi; 46 percent said they would vote for Gregoire; and 6 percent were undecided.
“This race will be one of the closest contests in the nation,” said Dave Johnson, CEO of Strategic Vision. “Despite the fact that the Republican brand is at an all time low, and that Gregoire has had four years to solidify support, she now trails Rossi within the margin of error and has lost support among white male voters.”
When asked if they thought that Washington was headed in the right direction or the wrong direction, 24 percent said right; 64 percent said wrong; and 12 percent were undecided.
“Anytime the number of people feeling that things are headed in the wrong direction exceeds the number who believe things are headed in the right direction this portends trouble for the incumbent,” said Johnson. “In this case this number will hurt both Gergoire and McCain. The discontent in this poll cuts across Party lines and is not limited to any age group, although younger voters are the most discontented.”
When asked if they approved of the way that Congress was doing its job, 15 percent approved; 73 percent disapproved; and 12 percent were undecided.
Governor Christine Gregoire received a job approval of 46 percent with 47 percent disapproving; and 7 percent undecided. United States Senator Patty Murray received a 55 percent job approval; with 35 percent disapproving; and 10 percent undecided. United States Senator Maria Cantwell received a 49 percent job approval; with 37 percent disapproving; and 14 percent undecided.
“The fact that Governor Gregoire does not have a 50 percent job approval rating is not a good sign as she seeks re-election,” said Johnson. “She is polling far lower among female voters than are Senators Murray and Cantwell.”
