Topic: SurveyUSA

On ballots: Has pro-marijuana camp found way to win over middle America?

Ballot initiatives in Colorado, Oregon, and Washington would make recreational use of marijuana legal. At least one is likely to succeed. Pro-legalization groups have been honing their message.

Will black voters give Obama what he needs in Southern swing states?

Black voters who do go to the polls are near-certain to vote for Obama. But in Virginia and North Carolina, concern is rising that the black voters who sealed the deal for Obama in 2008 will stay home.

What's keeping Todd Akin in Senate race? (+video)

Republican Senate contender Todd Akin expressed a determination to stay in the race, even amidst advice from others in his party to step down. He says his comments relating to rape boil down to 'one word in one sentence on one day.' 

Todd Akin ignores first deadline to drop out of Missouri race. Now what? (+video)

Rep. Todd Akin withstood calls from the Republican establishment to drop out of the Missouri Senate race, following his comment about 'legitimate rape.' His next deadline is Sept. 25.

Why Claire McCaskill wants Todd Akin to stay in Missouri race

Sen. Claire McCaskill (D) spent $2 million on ads in the GOP primary and got what she wanted: conservative Rep. Todd Akin as her opponent. Now that he's damaged goods, so much the better.

Paul Ryan: why taking Medicare message to Florida wasn’t a risk

In his visit to a retirement community in Florida, Paul Ryan pledged to 'preserve and protect' federal health benefits for those at or near retirement. And he brought along his mom to prove it.

Herman Cain: What's behind his rise in the polls?

There's been a clear upturn in the numbers for Herman Cain starting about the middle of September, which is just when Rick Perry’s polls began to sag.

Tacoma teachers' strike: Day 4 and back to court

Public opinion has been running in favor of the striking teachers in Tacoma, Wash., except on the issue of teacher reassignments based on seniority. The parties are due in court Friday afternoon.

Anthony Weiner contact with 17-year-old: Will it sink his career?

Rep. Anthony Weiner's efforts to hold onto his job hinge on what emerges in a continuing drip, drip of evidence from his online 'sexting' activities. Many of his constituents say he should resign.

California and 'left coast' bucking the pro-GOP election trend?

In some key Senate and governors' races, the 'left coast' of California, Washington, and Oregon isn't tilting toward GOP as much as the rest of the country. Why not?

New poll shows California tilting against legalized marijuana

The latest poll on Proposition 19, the ballot measure on legalized marijuana in California, found more opposition than previous polls. Prop. 19 backers dismiss the poll. Opponents say it is a sign.

Meg Whitman loses ground in polls as Nicky Diaz controversy drags on

Poll results show Meg Whitman falling slightly behind Jerry Brown in the days following a media blitz about Whitman previously employing Nicky Diaz, an illegal immigrant.

Rick Lazio withdraws: How angry will New York governor's race get?

Exit of Rick Lazio, former GOP congressman, from the New York governor's race is likely to make the contest closer. Now it's between a combative Paladino and Cuomo, who says he's angry, too.

Are Senate races really tied? Why new polls may not tell whole story.

Three key Senate races – Florida, Kentucky, and California – come out virtually tied in new polls. But the Republican candidates may be doing better than these polls reflect.

Carly Fiorina widens lead over Barbara Boxer: All about jobs?

The California Senate race could hinge on perceptions of how Carly Fiorina and Barbara Boxer will approach the economy and job creation.

Michael Bennet faces insurgent uprising in Colorado Senate primary

Polls show both establishment candidates in the Colorado Senate race – Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet and Republican Jane Norton – trailing opponents ahead of Tuesday's primary.

Kentucky Senate race looks set to boost the 'tea party,' Rand Paul

Rand Paul, the 'tea party' favorite, holds a double-digit lead in the Republican primary for Kentucky's Senate seat. The Democratic race is closer, but polls show either candidate would be more competitive against Paul than against his GOP opponent, Trey Grayson.

Obama as campaigner in chief: Will his record improve?

On the road in Colorado and Nevada, Obama looks to boost embattled Democrats after similar bids failed in New Jersey, Virginia, and Massachusetts.

Election 2009: Economic woes challenge incumbent mayors

Incumbent mayors are facing tougher-than-usual reelection bids due, in part, to a struggling national economy.

McCain campaign predicts greatest comeback ever - of all time even

In California, gay marriage fight heats up

Supporters of Proposition 8, which would outlaw the practice, nose ahead in polls.