Suffolk University Survey Shows 38 percent Will Cast McCain Vote if their Preferred Candidate Loses Nomination

[GaryC 7]

BOSTON – Hillary Clinton (49 percent) leads Barack Obama (43 percent) among likely Indiana Democratic voters, according to a poll released today by Suffolk University.

Six percent of Democratic voters were undecided, and 2 percent refused a response. However, 38 percent of these likely Democratic voters -- which include registered Democrats, Republicans, members of other political parties and independents -- said they would vote for John McCain in November if their Democratic choice does not win the party’s nomination.

"It’s no slam-dunk, but Hillary Clinton is poised to win the Hoosier state, provided there aren’t some critical turnovers late," said David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center.† "Although the margin appears to be single digits at this point, the outcome will hinge on high turnouts in Marion and Lake counties, which are crucial for Obama."

Despite Clinton’s lead, Obama was seen as more popular (58 percent favorable - 29 percent unfavorable) than Clinton (53 percent favorable - 36 percent unfavorable). In addition, slightly more voters said that Obama (35 percent) would be the next president, compared to 28 percent for Clinton and 25 percent for McCain.

Only 44 percent of Indiana Democratic Primary voters said that, if their choice lost the Democratic nomination, they would still vote Democratic. A considerably high 38 percent indicated they would vote for McCain, while 6 percent said they would vote for independent Ralph Nader, and an additional 11 percent were undecided.

"This 38 percent is one of several statistical signs that Republicans are meddling in the Democratic fray, knowing full well they will vote Republican come November," said Paleologos.

A majority (54 percent) cited the economy as the most important issue facing the country, followed by the war in Iraq (21 percent) and health care (12 percent).

In other Suffolk University findings, a plurality of Democratic Primary voters (48 percent) said they favored making the president’s tax cuts permanent, while only 33 percent opposed. Seventy percent of respondents rejected tax increases to help close the budget deficit gap, while 23 percent supported them.

In the race for the Democratic nomination for governor, Jill Long Thompson (35 percent) led Jim Schellinger (27 percent). Meanwhile, a whopping 36 percent still have not made a choice, suggesting that some of these undecided voters will vote Republican for governor come November.

[Ban Hammer 14,269]

go hillary!

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

It's a long road to November. Perhaps McCain should just rest on today's polls and not bother campaigning at all. I mean, according to this poll, he can't lose. But rest assured, Gary, it'll be a lot more complicated for him.

[GaryC 7]

It's a long road to November. Perhaps McCain should just rest on today's polls and not bother campaigning at all. I mean, according to this poll, he can't lose. But rest assured, Gary, it'll be a lot more complicated for him.

As it will for Obama or Clinton. They are both damaged goods and they have handed us a lot of ammunition to use this fall.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

Honestly - I don't think these polls are particularly good indicators of which way people will vote in November - at this point anyway. Emotions are still high so the "all or nothing" attitude is still present - Once the nomination is settled I think people will make up their minds and any shift to vote for McC or abstain won't be nearly so bad as is being touted in these polls.