POLL SHOWS STADIUM TAX GAINING SUPPORT IN NC TRIAD

          While "stiff opposition" to public financing of a
     major-league ballpark "persists," 44% of registered voters
     polled in Guilford and Forsyth, NC, counties now say they
     would vote for a prepared-foods tax to raise $140M toward
     stadium construction costs, according to Justin Catanos of
     the Greensboro NEWS & RECORD.  But 48% said they would vote
     against it and 8% remain undecided.  The poll, of 405
     voters, was conducted for the NEWS & RECORD by Piedmont
     Opinion last week and had a margin of error of +/- 4.9%.  It
     "suggests that if the referendum were held today, the
     outcome would be too close to call."  A June survey showed
     36% in favor, 58% opposed and 5% undecided.  Of those
     surveyed last week, 31% said the possibility of getting the
     Twins would make them more likely to support the stadium
     tax, while 59% said it would have no effect.  Also, the tax
     is "far more popular with African Americans than Caucasians,
     more popular with men than women and more popular with
     registered voters under age 35" (NEWS & RECORD, 10/12).