Kerry and Edwards beat Bush in polls

THE two Democratic contenders hoping to challenge George Bush for the presidency would beat him if an election were held now, according to a poll yesterday.

Senator John Kerry leads Mr Bush by 12 points, the first time it has been in double figures.

The Vietnam war hero, who is easily leading the campaign for the Democratic nomination, has 55% support, compared to Bush's 43%, according to the Gallup poll for CNN and USA Today. Mr Kerry's Democratic challenger North Carolina Senator John Edwards would also beat Mr Bush, with 54%.