Republicans fret about impact of Iraq, economy on Bush’s standing

For the first time since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, rank-and-file Republicans say they are worried about President Bush’s re-election chances based on the feeble economy, the rising death toll in Iraq and questions about his credibility.

“Of course it alarms me to see his poll figures below the safe margins,” said Ruth Griffin, co-chair of Bush’s 2000 campaign steering committee in New Hampshire. “If he isn’t concerned, and we strong believers in the Bush administration aren’t concerned, we must have blinders on.”

Poor Republicans may be destined to have more sleepless nights if they believe everything they read in the polls…

Also: National Hispanic group says Bush administration has disappointed Latinos [thanks, Ray]