September 26, 2004

Abstract: (CPOD) Sept. 26, 2004 - The state of West Virginia is too close to call in the 2004 United States presidential race, according to a poll by American Research Group. 46 per cent of respondents would vote for Republican incumbent George W. Bush, while 46 per cent would support Democratic nominee John Kerry.

(CPOD) Sept. 26, 2004 - The state of West Virginia is too close to call in the 2004 United States presidential race, according to a poll by American Research Group. 46 per cent of respondents would vote for Republican incumbent George W. Bush, while 46 per cent would support Democratic nominee John Kerry.

Two per cent of respondents would vote for independent candidate Ralph Nader, one per cent would support another contender and six per cent remain undecided. The election is scheduled for Nov. 2.

Support for Bush increased by two per cent since July, while backing for Kerry dropped by one per cent. In June, the Democrat held a three per cent lead over the Republican.

Bush carried the state's five electoral votes in 2000 with 51.9 per cent of all cast ballots. Democratic candidates have carried West Virginia in eight of the last 11 presidential elections.

Polling Data

What candidate would you vote for in the 2004 U.S. presidential election?

	Sept. 2004	Jul. 2004	Jun. 2004
George W. Bush (R)	46%	44%	44%
John Kerry (D)	46%	47%	47%
Ralph Nader (I)	2%	3%	3%
Other	1%	--	--
Undecided	6%	6%	6%

Source: American Research Group
Methodology: Telephone interviews to 600 likely West Virginia voters, conducted from Sept. 14 to Sept. 16, 2004. Margin of error is 4 per cent.