ALP's search for Lost Souls

From The Australian http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,11470372%255E601,00.html
Steve Lewis, Chief political reporterNovember 23, 2004
LABOR'S hierarchy will today commission a far-reaching inquiry to find out why it has been deserted by its traditional supporters, as the latest Newspoll shows the party's support at a new low.The inquiry will investigate why Labor's primary vote appears to have flatlined under the crucial 40per cent threshold and develop strategies for winning back lost support.

The ALP national executive will also endorse a shake-up of its campaign strategy, including a new "talent spotting" mission to find star-quality candidates, when it meets in Canberra today.
Labor has also placed its official pollster on notice and will look overseas for better campaign techniques in a bid to end John Howard's domination of national politics.

The meeting comes as a Newspoll survey for The Australian shows Mark Latham's popularity at its lowest level since he took over from Simon Crean as Labor leader last December.
As the Opposition Leader forges a new policy direction for Labor -- to the chagrin of senior union and party figures -- almost as many voters are dissatisfied with Mr Latham's performance as satisfied.
And Mr Howard has significantly increased his lead over Mr Latham as preferred prime minister, with 57per cent of voters backing the incumbent -- compared with the ALP leader's rating of just 27per cent.

Support for the Coalition remains at a level similar to its October 9 election result. Forty-six per cent of voters would give the Coalition their primary vote, compared with 38per cent for Labor, according to Newspoll.