Flash -- Kerry Leads Bush In Florida 49 to 43

Bush Sucking Wind in Florida

Most alarming to the White House is likely to be the president's eroding approval ratings on the very issues that he plans to make hallmarks of his reelection and that typically favor Republicans.

More than half of Florida voters disapprove of his handling of the economy, while only 46 percent approve of his leadership on Iraq.

Despite the GOP's attempt to woo seniors by pushing legislation to curb the rising cost of prescription drugs, voters overwhelmingly trust Kerry more than Bush to protect Social Security and Medicare benefits.

The Florida results reflect national polls that have shown Kerry leading Bush by as many as 10 percentage points, a striking contrast to Bush's rising numbers after the United States captured former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein in December.

One worry - Among Hispanics, Bush leads Kerry 56 to 40 percent. The Bush number includes not only the typically GOP-voting Cuban Americans, but also traditionally Democratic non-Cubans who backed Al Gore in 2000.

Gore tied FL last time because of not going after the Latino vote.

Fifty-seven percent of independents back Kerry, compared with a little more than one in three for Bush.

Thanks to Drudge Retort.