Nader's Rationale Is Now Folklore

Sen. John Kerry holds a narrow lead over President Bush in Oregon even with independent presidential candidate Ralph Nader on the ballot, according to a new Portland Tribune/KOIN (6) poll.

The survey, conducted May 6-8 and May 10, shows the Massachusetts Democrat with the backing of 50 percent of respondents, President Bush with 46 percent and 4 percent undecided. That's a slight increase for Kerry over a Portland Tribune/KOIN poll taken April 25-29, which showed Kerry leading Bush 48 percent to 46 percent.

Kerry still leads, but by a narrower margin, when the poll adds Nader to the mix. The results show Kerry with 47 percent, Bush with 45 percent, Nader with 3 percent and 5 percent undecided.

"So much for Nader's claim he'll be drawing voters from George Bush," said Mark Wiener, Portland political strategist.