GOP poll of Jews distorts Obama stand on Israel

Local Jewish leaders yesterday slammed a poll done by a Republican group in swing states, including Pennsylvania, that posed questions linking Barack Obama to Palestinian causes.

"I've seen so many efforts over the years of folks trying to spin the Jewish community or other communities," said Mark Aronchick, a local Obama fundraiser who is active in Jewish groups.

The poll, conducted by the Republican Jewish Coalition, targeted 750 Jewish voters in swing states - including 150 in Pennsylvania. Voters were asked if they knew that Obama had been praised by a leader of a Palestinian terror group or that he has had relationships with pro-Palestinian leaders in Chicago.

Critics of the poll said that the questions misrepresented Oba-ma's record. For example, pro-Palestinian leaders in Chicago denounced Obama years ago for his support of Israel, according to the Web site Politico.com.

Obama has asked Palestinian leaders to recognize Israel, renounce violence and negotiate peace in the region. The nonpartisan American Israel Public Affairs Committee says that both Obama and McCain are pro-Israel candidates.

"The types of questions they are asking under the best-case scenario are full of distortions," said Ira Forman, executive director of the National Jewish Democratic Council.

RJC Executive Director Matt Brooks defended the poll.

"That's what a campaign is about," he said. "I think the goal was to understand what issues are of concern of the Jewish community and better understand why Barack Obama continues to have issues with Jewish voters."

Local Obama spokesman Zach Friend said the campaign had gotten complaints about the poll.

"We've received numerous complaints from people throughout the state who have received these calls and have been deeply offended," Friend said. "Clearly the intent of these calls is to disparage and distort the record of Senator Obama."

The McCain campaign did not respond to a request for comment on the poll. *

The Associated Press contributed to this report.