Favourable impressions

This morning, I noted that Jack Layton alone among Canadian political leaders has managed to avoid having his public perception lowered through the rigours of the campaign so far. But it's worth remembering the starting point for any movement during the campaign - which likewise shows Layton outclassing the rest of the field:

The NDP's Jack Layton remained the most popular of the five leaders, with 53 per cent of respondents registering a positive impression and just 33 per cent a negative one.

Needless to say, Layton's combination of the highest starting level of positive perception and the best job of preserving that impression can only strengthen his position in convincing Canadians to put their support behind New Democrats as the campaign progresses. Which makes it obvious why the Cons are beginning to worry about what Layton and the NDP can do to stop Stephen Harper - but also signals the uphill battle that the Cons will face in trying to attack Layton.