Posted on 04/27/2006 3:17:35 PM PDT by VU4G10
A new poll from Rasmussen Reports has some bad news for Republicans—well, almost all Republicans. If you’re Rep. Tom Tancredo (R.-Colo.), the news couldn’t be better.
While a generic Republican candidate trails a generic Democrat by 12 percentage points, according to the poll, a third-party candidate who runs on a get-tough-on-immigration platform not only beats the Republican, but also actually runs even with the Democrat. Here’s an excerpt:
The survey also asked respondents how they would vote if "a third party candidate ran in 2008 and promised to build a barrier along the Mexican border and make enforcement of immigration law his top priority."
With that option, support fell sharply for both major parties. The Democrats still come out on top with support from 31% of Americans. The third party candidate moved into a virtual tie at 30% while the GOP fell to 21%.
If anyone fits Rasmussen’s description it’s Tancredo, who has made a very public name for himself as the anti-illegal-immigration crusader in Congress. And having spent time in both Iowa and New Hampshire beginning last year, he’s posited himself to be the candidate who could play spoiler.
Coming back to reality for just one moment, I should note the rest of the Rasmussen commentary about the poll numbers:
This result probably reflects unhappiness with both parties on the immigration issue rather than a true opportunity for a third party. Historically, issues that drive third party candidates get co-opted by one of the major parties as they demonstrate popular appeal. Most Americans favor a barrier along the border and enforcement of existing law prior to other reforms.
With the immigration issue candidate as an option, 36% of conservative voters opt for the Republican candidate while 35% take the third party option. Among political moderates, 34% pick the Democrat while 32% prefer the third party option.
I’d recommend reading the full Rasmussen summary as well as my post last night about the new Diageo/Hotline poll on Democrats.
Indeed. Reminds of a line Spencer Tracey delivers to Katherine Hepburn in that classic film "Woman of the Year," where Tracey declines a wedding invitation from Hepburn in order to cover a story, because "It's kind of important, in an unimportant sort of way." The converse with sinkie: "Illegal immigration is kind of unimportant, in an important sort of way...." ;)
You are arguing about nothing.
I believe that Scribbz was saying that being called a racist wouldn't bother him, since he is married to a woman of Mexican descent. (Notice he DIDN'T say Mexican-American, placing Mexico in the IMPORTANT slot.)
Shake hands and make up, boys. :)
Absolutely - especially your's.
What I am trying to say is I think you're being, er, less than honest when you say you think this issue is 'no big deal'. In fact, in spite of you party-line guys always tossing it off I think the issue has fairly got your panties in a wad.
I love your line about the White House fence. Maybe since fences don't work, they should just remove that fence at the WH and let everyone in. I'm sure the President would happily pay to clothe, feed, educate and medicate any and all comers. /slight sarcasm
Thank You!
I look at polls, and at the last 20 years. Immigration has not been a voting issue.
In fact, in spite of you party-line guys always tossing it off I think the issue has fairly got your panties in a wad.
LOL!!! You guys are the ones who are screaming for Bush's head because he won't back HR 4437. Not me.
Name calling? I'm sorry if you object to "good ole boy." Are you a bad ole boy? Maybe you're a bad ole girl?
________________________________________________________
Free Republic Opinion Poll: Do you support or oppose H.R. 4437, the Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005?
| Composite Opinion | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Support | 82.3% |   |
3,192 |
| Oppose | 17.7% | |
686 |
| 100.0% | 3,878 | ||
| Member Opinion | |||
| Support | 83.5% | |
1,523 |
| Oppose | 16.5% | |
302 |
| 100.0% | 1,825 | ||
| Non-Member Opinion | |||
| Support | 81.3% | |
1,669 |
| Oppose | 18.7% | |
384 |
| 100.0% | 2,053 | ||
Interesting statistics, but you know what they say about statistics.
Sorry, but even in Texas you got a dadgum ranch!!
He doesn't look much like one, does he? Maybe a rough-rider hat would do the trick.
I started to answer you, but with your child like way, it would be a waste of time.
Your about page is empty, mine is not. if you look you will see I was doing my part when you were probably still wetting three corner pants.
Anything like what they say about ignorance? But it won't be "bliss" for GW and the GOP this fall if they ignore this issue.
Hey, lemme buy you a beer. How about a long-neck?
If I gave the impression that I think this is a non-issue, I did not mean to. I think it is very important.
In spite of my tagline, I do not agree with the President on this issue. I do trust him, though, and feel that he has reasons he considers valid for his position.
We've always admired Bush for not governing by polls, but now suddenly, we want him to do just that.
I just hope we get as good a man next time.
As for your wish list, dittos to everything on it!!!
But Bush is on the right side of almost everything you named except this one thing.
This issue is important. Hey, I hear you. But why is it suddenly a crisis??
But maybe the public panic will do some good; change some minds and so on.
I'm just not sure I'll vote for Tancredo and I certainly won't vote for a third party candidate, no matter who.
Being from Texas, I'm sure you remember Dallas Billionaire H. Ross Perot, who gave us 8 years of Mr. Clinton.
I think you're right. People were talking about it in the old coffee shop at breakfast, and I mean people who never talk politics.
Those parades were the worst possible thing the illegals could have done.
Since when is FR representative of any opinions but those of FR members?
As dense as they are, I'm sure the party hacks will be muttering this same line even after November.
Thank you for your service to the country and for your years in law enforcement. I have two sons who are police officers.
We all serve in different ways, Marine. If it makes you feel better to belittle me, I can handle it.
Why do you go to the trouble of posting here then? What makes you come sneering into this little unrepresentative microcosm of opinion, especially on such a trivial issue (according to your lights) as immigration?
And since when are your posts representative of any opinions but those of party hacks?
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