October 02, 2004

Abstract: (CPOD) Oct. 2, 2004 - John Kerry is keeping a slight lead in the state of Maine, according to a poll by Strategic Marketing Services. 42 per cent of respondents would vote for the Democratic nominee in the 2004 U.S. presidential election, while 39 per cent would support Republican incumbent George W. Bush.

(CPOD) Oct. 2, 2004 - John Kerry is keeping a slight lead in the state of Maine, according to a poll by Strategic Marketing Services. 42 per cent of respondents would vote for the Democratic nominee in the 2004 U.S. presidential election, while 39 per cent would support Republican incumbent George W. Bush.

Independent candidate Ralph Nader garners the support of four per cent of respondents. The election is scheduled for Nov. 2.

Backing for both Kerry and Bush dropped by two per cent since June. In March, the Democrat held a 13 per cent lead over the Republican.

Democrat Al Gore carried Maine's four electoral votes in the 2000 presidential election—one from each congressional district plus two more for winning the statewide popular vote—defeating Bush by more than 66,000 ballots. The last Republican to win the state was George H. Bush in 1988.

Polling Data

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

	Sept. 2004	Jun. 2004	Mar. 2004
John Kerry (D)	42%	44%	51%
George W. Bush (R)	39%	41%	38%
Ralph Nader (I)	4%	5%	4%

Source: Strategic Marketing Services
Methodology: Interviews to 400 registered Maine voters, conducted from Sept. 23 to Sept. 27, 2004. Margin of error is 5 per cent.