[Congressman Billybob]

When you know Maryland politics, as I do, you know a dirty little secret about registration there. A significant number of Republicans register as Democrats so they get to vote in the Democrat primaries. Since the ultimate winner in Maryland ordinarily comes out of the Democrat primary, that's the only REAL vote to cast in most elections.

That "cross-over" registration applies to maybe 10% of the Maryland electorate. I know, I was one of them for a few years. If the poll asked people "How do you identify yourself?" rather than "How are you registered?", the party split is about right.

Congressman Billybob

[GAGOPSWEEPTOVICTORY]

I have a feeling that is a phenomenon throughout the liberal North East, especially in places like New YOrk City.

It seems like Mason-Dixon is one of the few pollsters that asks that question properly.

[memcindoe]

You're absolutely right about the Pubbies who register as Dems - I did it myself years ago.

I've been wondering since the spring if this state could end up in play this time around, since Bob Ehrlich has been a very popular Gov, and Martin O'Malley, Baltimore's Dem Mayor, has not been very effective. I don't think there's any question that Mike Steele has been drawing a lot of interest from the black voters as well. To me, that all adds up to Maryland being a battle-ground after all, though I won't hold my breath. I too remember the Sauerbrey election...

[MCH]

When you know Maryland politics, as I do, you know a dirty little secret about registration there. A significant number of Republicans register as Democrats so they get to vote in the Democrat primaries.

Yep. I know lots of 'em, including my sister. Weighting polls in MD by party registration would be totally invalid.

On another note, I just heard on the radio on the way home today that a judge overturned an earlier decision to keep Nader off the ballot in MD. He's now ON the ballot. This might help tip the balance - giving the ultra-libs who live here in MD a chance to vote their conscience and register an anti-sKerry protest vote, especially if they're convinced sKerry is going to lose anyway.

MD has been trending more Repub lately, and it did go for Bush I in '88. MD for Bush II would not surprise me.