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Poll: Dems leap ahead of GOP on illegals
WND ^ | 27 April 2006

Posted on 04/26/2006 7:15:13 PM PDT by Aussie Dasher

By emphasizing enforcement of the law, Democrats have leaped ahead of Republicans in the latest poll asking Americans which party they trust more on the issue of illegal immigration.

As the immigration debate rose to the top of the national agenda this year, the GOP was favored by 37 percent to 31 percent over Democrats, said pollster Rasmussen Reports.

But the newest survey shows round two going to the Democrats as Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean declares enforcement of the border his party's top priority.

Now 42 percent trust Democrats more on this issue while 35 percent trust the GOP.

Rasmussen comments: "While the short-term benefit may accrue to those who favor a tougher enforcement policy, the long-term implications of the issue are less clear. At the moment, neither political party enjoys unity within its own ranks on the issue. Politicians from both sides are struggling with the nuances of the issue."

Prior to the debate's emergence this year Americans were evenly divided on which party they trusted.

Democrats have gained ground primarily by solidifying their base, Rasmussen says, as 77 percent of Democrats now trust their party more on the issue than Republicans, up from 60 percent earlier.

Democrats also have made gains among unaffiliated Americans.

Republicans still trust their own party more on the issue by a 70 percent to 12 percent margin.

Although Democrats have gained ground, they still are behind among the 53 percent of Americans who say immigration will be a very significant factor in terms of how they vote in November.

Among this group, 43 percent trust Republicans more and 33 percent trust Democrats.

Rasmussen also found 57 percent of Americans still favor building a barrier along the Mexican border. Among those who consider immigration very important, 73 percent want a barrier.

The poll indicated only 26 percent of Americans have a favorable opinion of the protesters who engaged in massive rallies for illegal immigrants. Fifty-four percent have an unfavorable view.

In an earlier survey, Rasmussen found that in a hypothetical race for Congress, a plurality of Americans would vote for the candidate who favors more enforcement of immigration laws.

Another poll found two-thirds of Americans think it doesn't make sense to debate new immigration laws until we can first control our borders and enforce existing laws.

The same survey found 40 percent of Americans favor "forcibly" requiring all an estimated 11 million illegal immigrants to leave the U.S.


TOPICS: Constitution/Conservatism; Foreign Affairs; Government; News/Current Events; Politics/Elections
KEYWORDS: 109th; dopeydems; gop; illegals; politicalsuicide; polls
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Is the GOP set on committing political suicide?
1 posted on 04/26/2006 7:15:17 PM PDT by Aussie Dasher
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To: Aussie Dasher
Is the GOP set on committing political suicide?

It looks that way.

2 posted on 04/26/2006 7:17:59 PM PDT by c-b 1
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To: Aussie Dasher

the problem here is - even though the only people who actually stand for border enforcement are the solid republicans in the house and senate - that message isn't going to get out, because the message from the white house isn't in unity with them. so we have a fractured, diluted message from our side.

imagine anyone thinking the Dems are for anything other then amnesty.


3 posted on 04/26/2006 7:20:28 PM PDT by oceanview
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To: Aussie Dasher

For better or for worse, President Bush is the face of the Republican Party to the average person. And he's not exactly hard-core on immigration. And most other Republicans have been too timid to take a strong stance.

So, I'm not terribly surprised by this.


4 posted on 04/26/2006 7:23:08 PM PDT by B Knotts
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Comment #5 Removed by Moderator

To: B Knotts

there are plenty of Rs who are not timid - but they get little media exposure.

those congresspersons are the only chance at stopping the senate bill.


6 posted on 04/26/2006 7:25:39 PM PDT by oceanview
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To: Aussie Dasher
Now 42 percent trust Democrats more on this issue while 35 percent trust the GOP.

A fool and his money vote are soon parted.

7 posted on 04/26/2006 7:27:49 PM PDT by E=MC<sup>2</sup> (Are liberals born stupid, or do they have to work at it???)
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To: Aussie Dasher
Is the GOP set on committing political suicide?

I wouldn't give them that much credit. The GOP couldn't find their @sses with both hands, let alone slit their own throats. No, the conservatives are teaching them a lesson--hang us out to dry and we'll do likewise with you.

8 posted on 04/26/2006 7:28:03 PM PDT by randog (What the...?!)
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To: Aussie Dasher


Well half the Repubs want the illegals declared okay and the other half wants a crack down.

Now about this poll - are they including traditional Democratic voters like illegals, felons, people who are too young, etc. Or was it a poll of people who matter?


9 posted on 04/26/2006 7:28:32 PM PDT by Tzimisce (How Would Mohammed Vote? Hillary for President! www.dndorks.com)
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To: Aussie Dasher

The joke is that it's the Dems who want illegal immigration, because they get the illegal votes. But the Republicans have been so rock-headed stupid on this issue that it makes it very easy for the Dems to lie and get away with it.

More and more, the two parties seem to be competing as to which can be the stupider. At the moment, the Republicans seem to have the lead. When they go to the polls, the voters will have a choice. Not which is the best candidate, but which is the least worst candidate, dumb or dumber.


10 posted on 04/26/2006 7:28:45 PM PDT by Cicero (Marcus Tullius)
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To: Tzimisce

half the republicans? where are you getting that from.


11 posted on 04/26/2006 7:29:22 PM PDT by oceanview
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To: c-b 1

Thank you George Bush. You really know how to lose it big time.


12 posted on 04/26/2006 7:30:00 PM PDT by Fithee (US Fifth Column = Leftist Press + John Kerry + Clintonistas + Leftist Socialist Democrats)
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To: Aussie Dasher

While I believe the GOP is committing suicide; the Dems are lying as usual right through their teeth. I mean aren't these illegals their voters? LOL


13 posted on 04/26/2006 7:31:20 PM PDT by freekitty
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To: Aussie Dasher
The poll indicated only 26 percent of Americans have a favorable opinion of the protesters who engaged in massive rallies for illegal immigrants. Fifty-four percent have an unfavorable view.

Isn't that interesting

14 posted on 04/26/2006 7:31:47 PM PDT by austinite
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To: Aussie Dasher

The press wants us to believe everything they say. I say bs.


15 posted on 04/26/2006 7:31:49 PM PDT by freekitty
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To: Aussie Dasher
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean declares enforcement of the border his party's top priority.

Where is the Democrat bill to build a fence? Talk is cheap but it seems that many have decided to trust the Democrats.

Here is their plan.

16 posted on 04/26/2006 7:34:47 PM PDT by Mike Darancette (Proud soldier in the American Army of Occupation..)
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To: c-b 1
Fault for this lies directly on the President and the Senate.

They thought they were going to be able to sneak their amnesty plan by the American public -- or failing that, ram it past our tonsils -- and get away with it.

Now they are finding out they're wrong and conservatives are not amused.

We are especially not amused because GOP actions in favor of amnesty is perceived as kow-towing to fat-cat business interests -- and THAT is seen as validation of everything the liberals have been saying about Republicans for years.

During the Clinton years when he was at his worse, I still had a much stronger bitter surge of anger at Newt when his infidelities came to light because I demand BETTER conduct from Republicans. I hold them to a higher standard.

Illegal immigration is only the latest reason for my disillusionment with the Republican Party -- but it is by no means my only reason. I have gritted my teeth and swallowed when Republicans snort around the budget process like hungry hogs; I have winced and buried my head in my hands when realizing that Bush has not vetoed a single bill in the entire time he is in office.

But I not backing down on this. The borders must be sealed, the mess must be cleaned up and there must be NO amnesty for illegals.

If they can't fix this, to hell with them.
17 posted on 04/26/2006 7:35:01 PM PDT by Ronin (Ut iusta esse, lex noblis severus necesse est)
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To: EagleUSA

I don't care what Howard Dean says. Most Dems want amnesty and most Republicans don't. (The senate conference committee that put out the last bill illustrates this point) The problem is that "born rich" Republicans like Dubya are significantly more guilt ridden than those of us who worked for it. It simply does not bother him to give the store away.

Just image the future value of the transfer payments to the recipients of amnesty with the current programs in place. This amount would not even include their enhanced ability to vote themselves more transfer payments in the future.


18 posted on 04/26/2006 7:36:58 PM PDT by right neck
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To: Aussie Dasher

Huh? What Democrat wants to enforce the law? If anything they want more illegals in, on assistance, and voting ASAP.


19 posted on 04/26/2006 7:38:24 PM PDT by rbg81
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To: Aussie Dasher

It's really a simple thing to get ahead in the polls. All one must do is argue for both sides of the issue and have 90% of the press on your side and therefore never get questioned about it...that way you make both sides happy, although it's only because they don't know what you stand for.


20 posted on 04/26/2006 7:38:48 PM PDT by highlander_UW (I don't know what my future holds, but I know Who holds my future)
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