The new Strategic Vision poll should be making noise in conservative circles. SV polled 1,200 registered Florida voters 2/16-2/20 on a variety of issues.

The real news out of this poll is that 57 percent of voters polled said they would like to see Jeb Bush seek the White House in 2008. This is the first poll I’m aware of which shows a currently serving, statewide elected official receiving a majority of support from his constituents to seek higher office. In fact, most politicians, no matter how high their statewide approval ratings, tend to get initial WH support in the 15 percent range.

Additional numbers show President Bush (the current one) with a 56 percent approval rating. He also receives 55 percent approval on his handling of the economy. 57 percent approve of his handling of Iraq. Social Security reform is evenly split at 42 percent. Frankly, this should be considered quite positive. We all know Florida has a very high rate of elderly citizens, who are consistently those most opposed to personal account reform.

Governor Bush has a 62 percent approval rating.

Republican voters asked to name their preference for the 2008 nomination selected Governor Bush with 34 percent. Rudy Giuliani comes in second with 27 percent. McCain is third with 16 percent and Frist follows with 4 percent. Even though it was only little more than a month ago, it’s already feeling like ancient history when Giuliani was leading every 2008 poll.

Democrats put Hillary Clinton first with 30 percent. Interestingly, Al Gore comes in second with 20 percent. Kerry follows at 17 percent, trailed by Edwards, with 5 percent. This should add more fuel to Gore’s fire. Granted, there are enough variables here to make one’s head spin – but just for fun, let’s imagine – another Bush/Clinton showdown, a Gore/Bush “rematch.” Is this nepotism at its worst, or really the best each party has to offer?