Rick, over at the Wesley Clark blog, mentioned yesterday that the first statewide Dem poll of the year from Tennessee is out. The numbers are consistent with several other recent polls in the South — Clark looks strong, Dean doesn’t.
Clark — 10.6%
Lieberman — 10.6%
Dean — 6.3%
Edwards — 5.9%
Gephardt — 5.7%
and everyone else below 5%
Keep in mind, this is not exactly the most reliable poll in the world. The margin of error is an almost-ridiculous +/-7%. Nevertheless, it’s a snapshot that at least suggests Tennessee may be another state where Clark will enjoy support.
Speaking of the South, the all-important South Carolina primary appears, at this point, to be a close race between Clark and Edwards. A poll released late last week by the American Research Group shows Clark with a narrow lead (margin of error +/- 4%).
Clark — 15% (down from 17% in October)
Edwards — 12% (up from 12% in October)
Sharpton — 9% (up from 5% in October)
Lieberman — 9% (up from 8% in October)
Dean — 9% (up from 7% in October)
Gephardt — 7% (no change from October)
and everyone else below 5%
As for the national outlook, Gallup released a poll last week showing Clark with a small up-tick in support and Lieberman with a small drop, while most other candidates stayed about the same.
Clark — 17% (up from 14% in early November)
Dean — 17% (no change from early November)
Lieberman — 13% (down from 15% in early November)
Gephardt — 13% (up from 12% in early November)
Kerry — 9% (down from 10% in early November)
Edwards — 6% (down from 7% in early November)
and everyone else below 5%