Democrats are ahead in cookie sales

 McLean, VA – The Retail Bakers of America (RBA) and participating retail bakeries have begun selling 2008 election cookies as part of their national cookie poll campaign. Cookies in the shape of American flags and decorated with the names and cartoon faces of the presidential candidates have started to sell.

 To date, twenty-six member bakeries have indicated their interest in participating. Thirty-one percent of the participants began offering the special election cookies to their customers this past week.  Democrats lead with 481 cookies sold; Republicans trail at 346. 

History of the Cookie Poll: Busken Bakery in Cincinnati began the cookie poll in 2004 among the RBA community, and cookie sales were accurate in predicting the next President. This prompted other RBA members to start the 2008 cookie poll as a means to get local communities involved and promote the election.

“People are loving the idea and having a great time,” says Bonnie Headley of Costeaux French Bakery, Healdsburg, Calif.

The Retail Bakers of America (RBA) is a 501(c)6 not-for-profit trade association located in McLean, VA whose membership consists of retail bakeries, industry suppliers, educators, students, culinary colleges and other industry partners, is committed to the success of the retail baking industry. Celebrating its 90^th anniversary year, RBA works as the business partner and resource provider for bakers across the country, and is the nation’s premier source for industry information. RBA’s annual American Bakery Expo will be held September 21-23 in Atlantic City. More information is available at www.rbanet.com.