COLUMBIA, Md. — The Maryland & District of Columbia Credit Union Association conducted two polls over Aug. 1 and 2 to gather information on how likely voters in Maryland's third district reacted to the different Democratic candidates for that seat and a statewide poll for the Senate and Gubernatorial races.

Among 300 likely Democratic voters, 34% said they would vote for John Sarbanes, son of Senator Paul Sarbanes, if the primary were held today. Next closest candidate was Peter Beilenson at 16%. Sarbanes also polled well on name recognition and have a favorable impression tied to that. The most important issue in the election according to those polled was the Iraq war.

The second poll encompassed 500 likely voters statewide. When likely Democratic voters were asked how they would vote in the Democratic Primary for U.S. Senate, respondents answered Congressman Ben Cardin 31%; Kweisi Mfume, 25%; Dennis Rasmussen 6%; and Josh Rales 4%.

If the general election were held today between Cardin and Lt. Governor Michael Steele, respondents said Cardin 43% to Steele 35%. If the candidates were Mfume and Steele respondents answered Steele 40% to Mfume 39%.

In the Gubernatorial race Governor Bob Ehrlich (R) and Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley (D) were tied at 41% with 15% undecided.

Credit union-specific polling showed 48% of Marylanders surveyed said they were a member of a credit union and 1 in 5 calls their credit union their primary financial institution. Respondents gave credit unions high marks for being not-for-profit financial cooperatives (77%) as well as returning earnings to their members in the form of lower loan rates, lower fees and higher interest on deposits (80%).

Public Opinion Strategies administered both polls.

Instant Insights /

MDDCCUA Polls on State Races--Sarbanes, Cardin Would Win

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