July 18, 2008 - 3:44pm
Rasmussen: McCain closes gap in Maine
By Daniel TrudeauPresumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain closed the gap in Maine on his presumptive Democratic opponent, Barack Obama, according to a Rasmussen poll released Friday.
The poll showed U.S. Sen. McCain (R-Ariz.) with 36 percent support in Maine to U.S. Sen. Obama's (D-Ill.) 46 percent. While still trailing, the poll shows apparent progress for McCain, who lagged behind Obama, 55 percent to 33 percent, in a similar poll conducted one month ago.
Obama appeared to enjoy a large boost in support in the Pine Tree state U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton conceeded the nomination last month. The current poll shows him back with the same lead he enjoyed over McCain in April.
With so-called "leaners" — undecided voters with an inclination toward one candidate — included, Rasmussen said the margin between the candidates shrinks still further, with 49 percent for Obama to 41 percent for McCain.
Rasmussen also released a poll on the U.S. Senate race in Maine on Friday.
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Quote of the Day
August 29, 2008
"It's unfortunate that a celebration of the Democratic Party's presidential nominee was marked by this situation. We take such threatening messages very seriously and I'm glad that a suspect has been arrested."
-- Gov. John Baldacci on the arrest of a Brunswick man who sent a threatening email to Baldacci and at least one delegate from the Maine Democratic Party.
-Associated Press, 8/30/08
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Prediction
Prediction: McCain wins the 2nd District with its 1 electoral vote. If we could somehow detach Portland and send it to sea..he'd win the whole state.
Sorry but...
The 2nd District is too smart to vote for McCain.
Hit the Road, GOP
Obama will win Maine, hands-down. Mainers know a good thing when they see it. I'm for one am sure not at all happy with where McCain's policies have taken us in the past eight years.
Great chance
Bush almost got the 2nd CD in both of his elections. Along with the entire state for that matter. If anything McCain has an even better chance for a few reasons.
1. Everyone in Maine is mad at Democrats for what they've done over the last 2 years. Backlash on Obama could occur.
2. McCain is more moderate than Bush. Maine is in love with moderates.
Research what you write, JMill.
Bush lost what was the second district at the time by 1.87% in 2000. He lost in 2000 in what is now the second district by 2.87%. In 2004 he lost what was by then (and now) the second district by 5.83% (he lost the 1994 through 2002 second district by 4.95% in 2004). A 5.83% loss is not almost winning in my book. If the media hadn't been so focused on Florida and other actual states as election night 2000 went on (after 3 of Maine's 4 electors were called for Gore), I doubt any network would have had the district uncalled by 12:00 a.m. that Wednesday morning (at least one network left it uncalled after Florida and New Mexico were called based on an election night 2000 timeline I read). I'm not sure how slow the count progressed in all of the many municipalities in Maine's second district though. Still, I think that late call is what put Maine's congressional districts on seemingly permanant vote splitting speculation. A big Obama win here (including in District 2) could end that, although I could see the second district being fairly close once again. Navy Vet, I was surprised to learn that Portland itself gave John Kerry 26.03% of his statewide margin in 2004, and when you include the suburbs that figure is doubtless larger, but there are enough Democratic bastions in Maine outside Greater Portland that I don't think McCain is going to come close enough statewide to win the state outside GP. Besides, I think saying a result would have been better for your side than it was, or would be better than you think it will be, if not for some municipalty or area's unfortunate existence seems petty to me. Portland is as much a part of Maine as Piscataquis County. No more, no less. Deal with it.
And further JMill
Even Bush hasn't called for us to occupy Iraq for 100 years (although he might thinks so), while McCain has. And I realize myriad of contradictory statements makes it hard to pin him down, he is hardly a "moderate."
Kevinstat: Prediction stands
Kevin,
I stand by my prediction: McCain wins the 2nd district. Not only are people really pissed at the Dems but the beverage tax veto will bring out lots of conservative voters. Also, I just don't think those Franco-American Dem enclaves are going to go for Obama in a big way...call it a hunch. Lewiston for example....
Facts please..
Gerald,
The left lies and then lies again. You know McCain never said that...its bull. You don't like McCain?...fine...just argue facts and not lies. Try it, you'll ultimately become a better debater...
Ok Navy Vet
Where are your facts to backup your 2nd district claim? Do you have polling data?
I have a feeling people are more upset with Bush's failed economic plans than with the Democrats. Call it a hunch.
And please don't claim that Franco-Americans won't vote for a black guy. I know many that plan to, including myself.
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