the AP's tilted poll

I hate it when you think about replying to an article, then someone else does it before you get the chance. Oh well.

Over at Electoral-Vote.com, the "votemaster" takes to task an AP article that claims Bush has the edge in electoral votes. He provides data to refute claims that New Mexico, Wisconsin and West Virginia are "toss ups" and that Arizona and Missouri "lean Bush." His conclusion:

It is certainly true that about 20 states are going to be very close, but there is no basis for saying that Bush is ahead in the electoral college now. A more accurate statement would be Kerry has 222 electoral votes strongly for him or leaning in his direction and Bush has 184 strong or leaning. The rest are tossups. Thus Kerry is ahead in the electoral college right now. But don't bet on it. AP should assign a more experienced political reporter to this kind of story next time.

His current tally? Kerry 290, Bush 237.