Domenici’s support climbs for first time in months

After falling for several months as a result of the U.S. attorney controversy, support for U.S. Sen. Pete Domenici, R-N.M., has climbed in the newest SurveyUSA poll.

In the newest poll, conducted July 13-15, Domenici’s support was at 55 percent. The poll was released last week but went unnoticed by the print and Internet media (including me). Thanks to Steve Terrell for noticing it.

With the Democrats yet to find a top-tier candidate to take on Domenici next year, the newest poll is likely to deter some who might be considering getting in the race. That’s good news for Domenici, but it might also be viewed as good news for the three lesser-known Democrats who are in the race, because it gives each of them a better shot at securing the nomination and taking on Domenici next fall.

At the same time, it means Domenici is tougher to beat.

In the newest poll, 41 percent said they disapprove of the job Domenici is doing. The survey of 600 adults has a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percent.

The last poll, conducted in June, had Domenici’s support at 51 percent, the lowest rating for the senator since the monthly poll began in May 2005. In June, 42 percent said they disapproved of the job Domenici is doing.

Domenici’s support climbed among Democrats between June and July from 40 percent to 48 percent. It climbed among Anglos from 49 percent to 53 percent, but dropped from 45 percent to 40 percent among independents.

U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., also saw his approval rating rise in the newest survey, from 59 percent in June to 60 percent in July. Gov. Bill Richardson’s support in a separately-released poll that was conducted at the same time in July was 65 percent. President Bush’s approval rating among New Mexicans in another poll conducted at the same time was 30 percent.

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