HEALTH CARE, ECONOMY, TERRORISM AND HOMELAND SECURITY TOP ISSUES FOR 2006 ELECTIONS SAYS SHU POLL
SACRED HEART UNIVERSITY NEWSContact: Funda Alp, 203-396-8241, alpf@sacredheart.edu
For Immediate Release
February 28, 2006
AMERICANS RANK ISSUES FOR 2006 ELECTIONS; HEALTH CARE, ECONOMY, TERRORISM AND HOMELAND SECURITY TOP LIST ACCORDING TO SACRED HEART UNIVERSITY NATIONAL POLL
Corruption Ranks Last, as Democrats Edge-Out Republicans as “Better to Handle Issues”
FAIRFIELD, Conn.— In a new national poll conducted by the Sacred Heart University Polling Institute, Americans ranked issues and weighed in on party strengths in light of 2006 elections.
“It is apparent that "bread and butter" issues are now competing with fears of terrorism and the war in Iraq as we approach the 2006 congressional election. The polling results suggest, to a certain extent, a return to normalcy in congressional elections. The issues that directly impact the "pocketbook" and a family's well being are once again considered vitally important,” said Dr. Gary Rose, chair and professor in the Department of Government and Politics at Sacred Heart University.
Researchers asked respondents how important eight different issues will be as they make their November 2006 election decisions for U.S. House and Senate candidates. Using a scale of one to ten, respondents indicated the importance of each issue.
- Interestingly, Washington scandals and even constituent services were ranked lower than most issues including the Iraq war, homeland security and health care.
- In declining order of importance, the issues are: health care (90.1%), the economy (89.4%), terrorism and security at home (88.2%), the Iraq War (83.0%), and employment/unemployment (80.9%).
- Other issues held less importance among respondents: local issues or concerns (76.1%), constituent service (68.4%), and Washington scandals (55.9%).
- While 31.6% suggested “there's more corruption than ever in Washington, D.C. today,” most (62.0%) noted that corruption in D.C. is “Business as usual…” (47.3%) or “reports of corruption are overblown…” (14.7%). Some, 6.4%, were unsure.
Researchers asked respondents which party, on the national level, would better handle a number of issues.
- Among only those with an opinion, Democrats scored higher on five of the six issues measured. Democrats, over Republicans, were seen as more ethical (54% - 46%).
- Democrats, over Republicans, were seen as more likely to improve the economy (55% - 45%), more likely to reduce taxes (51% - 49%), more likely to solve health care problems (68% - 32%), and more likely to improve education (61% - 39%).
- Republicans, over Democrats, were seen as more likely to keep American safe (55% - 45%).
- One quarter of all respondents (25.1%) believe that the best outcome for the nation, following the November 2006 election, is for Republicans to control both the White House and Congress. Another 37.2% believe having Republicans continue to control the White House and Democrats controlling Congress is best. Some, 17.9%, were unsure while 19.8% suggested neither scenario is best for the nation.
- And, while it is early, 31.9% of all respondents indicated they plan to support the Republican candidate in their own U.S. Congressional District. Another 38.6% said they plan to support the Democratic candidate and 20.8% were undecided.
1. The contest tightens among only registered voters with an opinion: 46.9% plan to vote for the Republican candidate for U.S. Congress while 53.1% plan to support the Democratic candidate.
- President Bush, in February, 2006 received a 45.1% favorable job performance rating. This is up somewhat from 42.0% in October 2005 but down significantly from 52.3% in April 2003.
- The overall favorable job performance rating for the U.S. Congress is 40.0%.
“With domestic issues surging for the forthcoming election, and with Democrats the apparent beneficiaries of this trend, it would behoove Republican candidates to extend their campaign message well beyond that of national security concerns,” commented Dr. Rose.
EXPERTS AVAILABLE FOR COMMENT
To speak with these experts, please contact Funda Alp at 203-396-8241 or alpf@sacredheart.edu.
How the Poll Was Conducted
The Sacred Heart University Polling Institute completed 1,000 interviews with residents nationwide between February 9-15, 2006. The sample was generated proportional to population contribution in all 50 states. Statistically, a sample of 1,000 completed telephone interviews represents a margin for error of +/-3.0% at a 95% confidence level.
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About Sacred Heart University
Sacred Heart University, the second-largest Catholic university in New England, offers more than 50 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs. Its main campus in Fairfield, Connecticut, is complemented by satellites in Connecticut, Luxembourg and Ireland. Over 5,600 students are enrolled in its four colleges: Arts & Sciences; Education & Health Professions; University College; and the newly established John F. Welch College of Business, committed to educating students in the leadership tradition and legacy of Jack Welch. U.S. News & World Report and the Princeton Review place SHU among America's best colleges in the Northeast, and Intel rates it #11 among the nation's most “unwired” campuses. SHU fields 32 Division I athletic teams, and has an award-winning program of community service. www.sacredheart.edu
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