Republicans Lose--Independents Surge Nationally Since 2000

A report for the respected Pew Research Center released March 20 shows national trends similar to voter registration trends in Oregon. Republicans are losing ground. In particular, self-identified Republican white voters are leaving the GOP in "Red," "Blue" and swing states.

"[D]uring the first two months of 2008, 36% identif[ied] themselves as Democrats, and just 27% as Republicans.

The share of voters who call themselves Republicans has declined by six points since 2004, and represents, on an annualized basis, the lowest percentage of self-identified Republican voters in 16 years of polling by the Center.”

The survey also showed a new high level of the electorate--37%-–who claim no party affiliation. But they lean slightly towards the Democrats.