Bush, the likely Republican presidential nominee, leads Gore, the likely Democratic nominee, 52 percent to 39 percent among likely voters in a head-to-head match-up, according to the poll.

The new poll indicates Bush has strong and growing support among independents. The poll indicates Bush has the support of 54 percent of independent likely voters, compared to 29 percent for Gore. That is a strong jump over a poll conducted June 6 and 7, which gave Gore a 37-36 edge over Bush among independents.

-- Ain't Gonna Happen (Not Here Not@ever.com), June 27, 2000