7/16/2009

Welcome! Thank you for visiting the CLN Weekly Blog for all of the top political news. We will include poll numbers, commentary, and political facts to help you stay informed!

Rasmussen Daily Presidential Approval:

Approval Index (number who strongly approve minus those who strongly disapprove): -8 (28/36)
Overall Approval: 51% Approve, 47% Disapprove

2009 Elections: New Jersey and Virginia
Latest Polls:
New Jersey: Christie (R) 45 Corzine* (D) 37 (Monmouth)--(7/9-7/14)--527 Likely Voters

Virginia: McDonnell (R) 44 Deeds (D) 41 (Rasmussen)--(7/14)--500 Likely Voters

*: Indicates Incumbent

Poll Links
New Jersey: http://www.pollster.com/blogs/nj_christie_45_corzine_37_monm.php

Virginia: http://www.pollster.com/blogs/va_mcdonnell_44_deeds_41_rasmu.php

Commentary:
These Poll numbers indicate Republicans, as of now, have a good shot at gaining two new governor seats. New Jersey has not had a Republican elected statewide since 1997, and with an incumbent polling at 37% look out. Republicans have had their fair share of incumbents defeated, and know first hand when an incumbent is polling in the 30's in July of that election year, the odds of being re-elected are slim to none. President Obama, seeing these low numbers, is in the Garden State tonight to stump for Governor Corzine. Although, that same Monmouth poll showed that 69% would not be affected in their decision on who they are going to vote for if Obama campaigns for Corzine. In fact, 17% said Obama's presence would lower their chances of voting Democrat in November, while 13% said it would raise their chances. New Jersey is definitely not over, but Corzine had better get his act together, or it will be a big night for Republicans on November 3rd.

In Virginia, Republicans have consistently led in this race since February. The current governor, Tim Kaine, is not running for re-election. Virginia was won by President Obama last November, 53%-46%. But like in most states, the further the president's numbers drop, the more Republicans benefit. Keep your eye on Virginia, as it is a fairly good indicator on how 2010 will go.

Healthcare:
President Obama, as you probably know by now, is pushing for a major Healthcare overhaul in the US. Americans widely support a plan to let people have a choice of a public option or a private option by a wide 69%-26% margin in a new Gallup Poll. But when it comes to the current proposal by President Obama and Democrats in Congress, Americans are opposed 49%-46% according to a Rasmussen poll this week. Look for a major offensive by Obama and Democrats in the month to come, but just as strong of a response from Republicans as the Healthcare battle is rapidly heating up.

Sonia Sotomayor:
Sonia Sotomayor, President Obama's pick to be the next Supreme Court nominee, is likely to be confirmed by the vastly Democratic Senate. Polls show however, Americans are evenly divided on her confirmation. My guess is she will be confirmed in the near future by a vote of 70-30 or so.

That is all for this week. Check back with us every Thursday to get your latest dose of CLN Politics. Have a good one.

Joe Venable