Goofy polls may have some benefit

WASHINGTON, Sept. 24 (UPI) -- Oddball surveys in the U.S. presidential race may be more entertaining than conventional polling, but analysts say they shouldn't be taken seriously.

Halloween costume seller BuyCostumes.com says George Bush masks have been outselling those of Democrat John Kerry by a margin of 57 percent to 43 percent, and CNN notes mask preference have accurately picked the winner every time since 1980.

"If people are buying more products that support Bush, it may ... suggest more confidence in the incumbent over Kerry," said Bob Burns, professor of political science at South Dakota State University. "On the other hand, if products supporting the opponent are selling better, it could be a sign of waning confidence in the incumbent."

Bush also leads Kerry in sales of a "Swing2Vote" box of two golf balls showing color photos of the candidates and the president is also ahead 1,756 to 1,245 in a "Vote with Beer" survey being conducted by Texas restaurant chain Flying Saucer.

But Larry Sabato, professor of politics at the University of Virginia, says there may be a beneficial side to these polls, offbeat as they may be.

"Anything that gets people interested in politics is a good thing," he said.