Pollster Steps Down After Senator Defects

In the US, Republican polling firm Public Opinion Strategies has resigned from Senator Arlen Specter's campaign team following his defection to the Democrat party.

The firm was part of the campaign team in 1992, 1998 and 2004, but Partner and co-founder Glen Bolger explained that because of the Pennsylvania Senator's decision to switch parties, his firm would no longer be involved.

'As Republicans, we are disappointed by Senator Specter's surprising decision,' commented Bolger.

Barack Obama marked the start of his 100th day in office today by formally welcoming the Senator to the Democratic party. 'I am thrilled to have Arlen in the Democratic caucus,' he stated.

Founded in 1991, Public Opinion Strategies conducts corporate, public policy and litigation research from its offices in Washington, Denver and Los Angeles. The firm currently polls for 15 Republican US Senators and one Independent, and for its work in the 2002 elections, won the 'Pollster of the Year' Campaign Excellence Award from the American Association of Political Consultants.

Web site: www.pos.org .