Possible Clues:

• Propose painting son
• Survey people for opinions
• Is able to see fool on that doorstep
• 'Try to get a vote for the artist, by the sound of it (7)'
• Poll tax cut in May leads to slashed services
• Search for support from the cloth succeeded
• Poll sails south
• Poll
• Ask for votes
• Sails south to test what way the wind blows