Washblog

The 5th District is a mix of two-thirds urban voters mostly in the Spokane area and one-third rural voters spread between the Canadian and Oregon borders. Our district shares the nation's concerns about the war in Iraq, the economy, and energy prices, but  agriculture, veterans' services, health care, and education are also big issues here.

The poll was completed for the campaign of Democrat Peter Goldmark for Congress. The report summary from the polling firm states:

The new Lake Research Partners survey of likely voters in Washington's 5th District shows Republican Cathy McMorris vulnerable to a challenge from Democrat Peter Goldmark.

With enough resources to communicate Goldmark's strong messages, inform voters about McMorris' voting record, and drive home the potent contrast between Goldmark's priorities and Cathy McMorris' special interest agenda, this seat is winnable.
    * In the initial ballot, incumbent McMorris receives less than a majority of the vote against Goldmark despite a vast name recognition advantage. After both candidates get their messages out, Goldmark pulls into a virtual tie with McMorris--37% for Goldmark to 39% for McMorris.
    * Bush's favorability rating is only 44% (very or somewhat favorable) versus 53% (very or somewhat unfavorable) with a plurality (42%) giving him a very unfavorable rating, making Bush a liability for McMorris in the district.
    * McMorris' own job performance rating is low. Just 44% rate McMorris' job rating as good or excellent versus 47% who say it is just fair or poor, for a net negative job performance rating (-3%).
    * McMorris has certainly not sealed the deal on her reelection, as just 38% are ready to re-elect her. The remaining 62% of the electorate would consider voting for someone else (24%), vote to replace McMorris (20%), or aren't sure (18%).

These findings are based on 400 completed interviews with a random sample of likely November 2006 voters. Interviews were conducted from July 20-23, 2006. Sampling error is +/- 4.9%.

This is another strong Democratic challenge to another rubber stamp DelayPomboCunninghamBluntBoehnerDoolittle Republican. Good news for us all!
Peter's new campaign tv ad is up and running on his website. Check it out here.