Florida 24th CD voters’ overall mood and attitudes toward President Bush and the Republican Party suggest a very difficult political environment for Congressman Feeney. Overall, just 24% of voters say that the country is headed in the right direction, while 67% believe that we are headed off on the wrong track.
While George W. Bush carried the district by 10 points in 2004 (55% to 45%), today, only 33% give him an excellent or good job rating and fully 44% say that he is doing a poor job. Of particular note is that only 66% of Republicans give Bush a positive job rating.
Moreover, a majority of voters in the district have a negative personal view of the President (52% versus 37% positive). In a generic 2008 presidential ballot, the Democratic and Republican candidates are in a statistical dead heat (42% vote for the Democrat, 41% vote for the Republican). In a district that has an eight-point Republican party registration advantage and that Bush carried by 10 points, this is a striking finding.
Only 23% of voters said Congressman Feeney deserves reelection, which is nearly equal to the proportion that say they will definitely vote to elect someone else (21%). Feeney’s re-elect is one of the lowest of any incumbent in the country.
In fairness, the poll was taken by a Democratic voting firm. That doesn't mean that Dems don't view Feeney as vulnerable. Democratics used to just write off District 24. Now they view it as a seat they can pick up. Feeney's ties to the Jack Abramoff and the FBI investigation places him in more trouble than just losing his seat. He has started a legal defense fund. Politicians don't do that unless they are worried about being indicted.
Feeney does have two advantages against Suzanne Kosmas. Incumbacy and a fundraising headstart. Actblue has a page for those interested in donating to the Kosmas campaign.
No comments:
Post a Comment