--Political Dynamics of the Renewal Effort in the Presidential Race:
Pollster Doug Schoen conducted surveys in key swing states Florida, Pennsylvania and
Ohio and found that the Assault Weapons Ban would inject a critical wedge issue into the
presidential race. Schoen found that once voters were informed of Senator Kerry’s and
President George W. Bush’s positions on the issue, there were dramatic consequences on
the question of which candidate is best able to fight the war on terrorism. The polling
indicates that the issue could provide a major boost to Kerry’s standing on the terrorism
issue should he choose to be outspoken on the issue.