President Bush retains a double digit lead in North Carolina.

The latest Rasmussen Reports survey shows that the President has 54% of the Tar Heel vote to 42% for Senator Kerry. That's close to the President's 13-point margin of victory in the Tar Heel State four years ago.

We are now moving the state from Leans Bush to Solid Bush for our Electoral College projections.

Earlier in the year, polling data indicated that North Carolina might be somewhat more competitive at the Presidential level than expected. However, in our last survey before the Republican Convention, the GOP ticket had opened up a double digit lead.

Fifty-nine percent (59%) of North Carolina voters have a favorable opinion of the President. Forty-six percent (46%) have a favorable opinion of Senator Kerry.

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