Conservatives Edge Ahead, But Doubts about Main Leaders Continue to Grow

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According to Harris/Decima Chairman Allan Gregg:  "On the surface it appears as the Conservatives are experiencing a small post-budget/Olympics up-tick in support -- at least in British Columbia. That noted, there's really not much in these numbers to cause cheering in the ranks of either major party, let alone enough to get their lather up about an election call. Even though the Conservatives have now edged ahead on a nation-wide basis, the Liberals continue to hold a small lead in Ontario -- including in the key 905 area code -- and the BQ seems to be more dominate than ever in Quebec. Even more alarming for both Parties, the population is expressing more disfavour with their Leaders than any time in the last year. Stephen Harper's favourability rating has dropped 10 points in the last 4 months, while Michael Ignatieff's net rating is at an all-time low for him. Clearly, there is a lot of work do before either Leader can garner enough enthusiasm among the electorate to warrant another trip to the polls."