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new poll conducted by NPR shows more clearly than ever that the Republicans are in trouble. Conducted only in the districts considered "battleground" districts, with 80% of them currently in Republican hands, the numbers show an enormous shift. And an opportunity that literally comes ones in a lifetime.
So knock wood. Then knock on doors and knock some heads among your friends, because if we get out there and work we have a once in a lifetime opportunity to pick up the ship of state and turn it around.
This one is different than any of our prior polls and is different than any of the national polls you get through the national media," says Democrat pollster Stan Greenberg. "This is a poll only done in the 50 competitive House races where, in fact, control of the House of Representatives will be decided."
The fifty congressional districts polled currently have 40 Republican congressmen and 10 Democrats. In 2004, the overall elections in these areas went to the Republicans by 12%. So it's clear that most of these battlegrounds are on red territory. However, the new poll shows that Democrats are leading in the same areas now by an average of 6%, and astounding 18% turnaround from two years ago.
Disillusionment with Republicans starts at the top. Even in these red districts, approval for W is abysmal.
But the disgust with Republicans doesn't end with Bush. The general dissatisfaction with the party in power also translates into a desire to change direction in congress.
Perhaps most amazing of all was that the "generic Democrat vs. generic Republican" numbers change by only 1% when the names of actual candidates are substituted.
This poll shows the true depth of the trouble that Republicans are facing, and the true breadth of the opportunity that's been laid out for Democrats. Now, we have to execute, execute, execute.
Because if we can't win under these conditions, we really should just clear the field and let someone else have it.