Dole Halves Clinton's Lead In California

SAN FRANCISCO (AllPolitics, Aug. 21) -- In electoral vote-rich California, a new poll suggests Republican Bob Dole is narrowing President Bill Clinton's lead.

According to an independent Field Institute survey, Clinton leads Dole 45-35 percent, with the Reform Party's Ross Perot and the Green Party's Ralph Nader trailing behind. The numbers mirror recent national polls, which indicate the race for the White House is tightening.

The Field survey was conducted Aug. 14-19 and interviewed 707 registered voters, including 531 people considered likely to vote come Nov. 5. The margin of sampling error was +/- 4.5 percentage points.

Just last month, Clinton had a 48-28 percent lead over Dole, but several recent surveys have documented an upsurge in support for the Republican ticket, following Dole's selection of running mate Jack Kemp and a trouble-free convention in San Diego.

California, with 54 electoral votes, is an important part of Clinton's re-election strategy. He has visited the state often, and as in 1992, has captured the support of a group of Silicon Valley hi-tech executives.

Dole Halves Clinton's Lead In California

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