Poll hinting at Bush connection could be a problem for McCain in Oregon

U.S. Sen. John McCain and President Bush: Getty Images PhotoA Gallup poll released Tuesday showing that 68 percent of Americans are concerned that U.S. senator and presidential candidate John McCain (R-Ariz.) is too much like President Bush could have big implications in Oregon.

The survey of 1,625 voters conducted between June 15-19 shows that over 66 percent of American voters associate the Republican presidential candidate with the current unpopular administration.

The results of this poll allude to a big problem McCain could face in Oregon if he is unable to distance himself from the current presidency.

A recent poll showed that McCain was in a statistical dead heat with U.S Senator and Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama (D-Ill.).

In June, 45 percent of Oregon voters said they would support McCain in the general election.

However, according to a Survey USA May 2008 poll, only 32 percent of Oregon voters approved of President Bush. If McCain is too closely associated with the unfavorable administration, it may be enough for voters to continue to flock toward the Democratic Party.

State republican leaders believe the voters will draw on the difference between Bush and McCain when they mark their ballots in November.

"Sen. McCain has a long, independent record and has broken from President Bush on issues ranging from climate control, to campaign finance, to the war in Iraq,” said Oregon GOP spokeswoman Brianne Hyder. “John McCain's broad electoral appeal will expand across Oregon in the general election."

But state Democratic officials believe that won’t be easy.

“As more voters understand that McCain’s views are the same as Bush’s -- stay in Iraq, watch the economy plummet -- his numbers in Oregon will plummet,” Oregon Democratic Party spokesman Marc Siegel said.

Meanwhile, the presumptive Democratic nominee, U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) closed out June with a strong five-point lead in the national Gallup poll, which said he is leading McCain, 47 percent to 42 percent.

See the poll results here.