COLUMBIA, Md. — The Maryland & District of Columbia CreditUnion Association conducted two polls over Aug. 1 and 2 to gatherinformation on how likely voters in Maryland's third districtreacted to the different Democratic candidates for that seat and astatewide poll for the Senate and Gubernatorial races.

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

The second poll encompassed 500 likely voters statewide. Whenlikely Democratic voters were asked how they would vote in theDemocratic Primary for U.S. Senate, respondents answeredCongressman 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 Steele40% to Mfume 39%.

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

Credit union-specific polling showed 48% of Marylanders surveyedsaid they were a member of a credit union and 1 in 5 calls theircredit union their primary financial institution. Respondents gavecredit unions high marks for being not-for-profit financialcooperatives (77%) as well as returning earnings to their membersin the form of lower loan rates, lower fees and higher interest ondeposits (80%).

Public Opinion Strategies administered both polls.