SCHIP By The Numbers

From Rasmussen:

Sixty-five percent (65%) of American voters know that President Bush vetoed a bill expanding the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. A Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that 8% mistakenly thought the President signed the bill while the rest were not sure.

Of those who knew of the veto, 57% disapproved and 31% supported the President’s action. Fifty-nine percent (59%) of Republicans approve of the President’s decision while 88% of Democrats disapprove. Among those not affiliated with either major party, 33% agree with the President and 50% do not. [No surprise, there! Indies look like Dems on health care]

Among all voters, 70% say it is Very Important to insure that all children under 18 have health insurance. This figure includes 83% of Democrats, 71% of unaffiliateds, and 54% of Republicans. Another 18% of all voters say it Somewhat Important to provide health insurance for all children.

By a 54% to 35% margin, voters believe it is fair to raise cigarette taxes to cover the cost of expanding the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. Sixty-two percent (62%) of Democrats believe this approach is fair along with 51% of unaffiliated voters and 49% of Republicans.

We know Republicans follow their Dear Leader like lemmings, but there's major weakness in Bush's position even amongst his base. In a separate polls, here's some bottom line numbers:

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that, if the Congressional Election were held today, 48% of American voters say they would vote for the Democrat in their district and 36% would opt for the Republican. While that’s a bit closer than last month’s 18-point advantage for the Democrats, it’s the third straight month Nancy Pelosi’s Party has enjoyed a double-digit lead.

and

During the month of September, 37.2% of Americans considered themselves to be Democrats, 32.6% said they were Republicans, and 30.2% were not affiliated with either major party. Those figures are little changed from August and are also very similar to where they were a year ago.

So far this year, the number of Democrats has ranged from a low of 35.9% in July to a high of 37.8% in February (see history).

It can't be easy being a Republican strategist these days.