DSCC makes its case in N.C.

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) distributed results of a poll yesterday that it says shows Sen. Elizabeth Dole (R-N.C.) is vulnerable in 2008, citing a finding that "only" 35 percent of voters will commit to reelecting Dole.

The poll, paid for the by the DSCC and conducted by the Garin-Hart-Yang Research Group, finds that 26 percent of voters said they will consider another candidate and 23 percent said they will vote for another candidate.

The DSCC also says the number of people who rate her performance as "excellent" or "good" – 49 percent – is significant because it is below 50 percent.

A consultant for Dole's campaign committee, Mark Stevens, pointed out that the DSCC's numbers do not contain a favorable/unfavorable rating or head-to-head match-ups with potential candidates. He said that's because they demonstrate Dole's popularity and strength.

"You know they use this poll as a recruiting tool," Stevens said.