Poll: Dewey heads list of GOP candidates in every section
But survey shows that New York Governor’s popularity increase has slowed down by 50% since January
By George Gallup, Director, American Institute of Public Opinion
With the Republican presidential nominating convention less than four months away, Governor Dewey of New York now heads the GOP candidate list in every section of the country.
However, the Institute’s latest survey shows that Governor Dewey’s popularity has increased during the past four weeks by only about half as much as it did during the month of January.
Moreover, the latest survey on the candidates does not fully reflect Governor John W. Bricker’s public appearance in Washington, or Wendell Willkie’s campaign trip through the West which many observers believe has given a boost to the Willkie popularity.
Mr. Willkie runs second in the latest survey, with Gen. Douglas MacArthur third, and Governor Bricker fourth.
Voters from coast to coast, so selected as to meet scientific requirements, were shown a list of men most prominently mentioned as possible candidates and were asked to indicate their choice today. Based on those who named a Republican, the results show the following standings of the five more popular men.
| Dewey | 45% |
| Willkie | 21% |
| MacArthur | 19% |
| Bricker | 7% |
| Stassen | 5% |
| Others | 3% |
California Governor Earl Warren and Eric Johnston, president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, polled a total of 3% in both the January and February surveys. In December, Governor Warren, Mr. Johnston, Senator Taft of Ohio and Governor Saltonstall of Massachusetts received a combined total of 8%.
Willkie’s lead lost
Whereas Mr. Willkie held a lead over Governor Dewey in New England and the South in last month’s survey, today’s results find the New York Governor ahead in those sections, although the rivalry remains extremely close. New England, the South and the Pacific Coast are Mr. Willkie’s best sections.
Governor Dewey’s strongest areas are the Mid-Atlantic states, which include New York, and the East and West Central sections.
In the latter areas, he has gained four to six percentage points since the survey in January, while Mr. Willkie has shown a slight loss in those areas. Mr. Dewey’s popularity has likewise increased in the Rocky Mountain and Pacific Coast areas.
South favors MacArthur
Gen. MacArthur is stronger in the South and Midwest than elsewhere, and has shown a small gain in both areas. Governor Bricker’s best section in the East Central, which includes his home state of Ohio.
The sectional standings of the four men with the highest votes follow:
| Dewey | Willkie | MacArthur | Bricker | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New England | 40% | 38% | 16% | 2% |
| Mid-Atlantic | 55% | 20% | 17% | 5% |
| East Central | 41% | 12% | 20% | 19% |
| West Central | 44% | 18% | 20% | 4% |
| South | 35% | 31% | 26% | 4% |
| Mountain | 43% | 22% | 21% | 5% |
| Pacific | 39% | 27% | 12% | 4% |