Democracy Corps - Mountain West Frequency Questionnaire October 16-21, 2008 700 Likely Voters in 11 Battleground Districts (AZ 1, AZ 3, AZ 5, AZ 8, CO 4, ID 1, NV 2, NV 3, WY AL, NM 1, & NM 2) (800 Unweighted) 121 Latinos (164 Unweighted) Q.4 Many people weren't able to vote in the 2004 election for president between George Bush and John Kerry. How about you? Were you able to vote, or for some reason were you unable to vote? Total Hispanic Voted... 93 89 Not registered in 2004/Ineligible/too young... 3 7 Did not vote... 4 5 (Can't remember/don't know)... 0 - (Refused)...- - (ref:vote00) Q.5 In what year were you born? Total Hispanic 18-24... 3 4 25-29... 4 5 30-34... 9 8 35-39... 5 5 40-44... 7 13 45-49... 10 12 50-54... 13 15 55-59... 14 15 60-64... 10 10 Over 64... 24 13 (No answer)... 2 - (ref:age)
2 Q.6 What are the chances of you voting in the election for president in November: are you almost certain to vote, will you probably vote, are the chances 50-50, or don't you think you will vote? Almost certain... 84 76 Probably... 2 4 50-50...- - Will not vote...- - (Don't know)...- - (Already voted)... 14 20 (Refused)...- - (ref:cp3) [100 Respondents] Q.7 (ASK IF ALREADY VOTED IN CP3) When you voted by absentee ballot or through early voting, did you vote by mail or in person? By mail... 76 64 In person... 24 36 (Don't know/refused)...- - (ref:absent4) Q.8 Generally speaking, do you think that things in this country are going in the right direction, or do you feel things have gotten pretty seriously off on the wrong track? Right direction... 14 9 Wrong track... 81 89 (Don't know/refused)... 5 2 Right - Wrong...-68-80 (ref:direct)
3 Q.9 Now, I am going to read you a list of concerns that people have. Please tell me which ONE of these you think the president and Congress should be paying the most attention to. The economy, jobs and the financial crisis... 51 56 Terrorism and national security... 9 9 Taxes and spending... 7 5 Moral values... 5 4 The war in Iraq... 5 6 Health care... 5 6 Illegal immigration... 4 0 Energy and gas prices... 4 3 Social Security and Medicare... 3 4 The environment... 2 2 (None)... 2 3 (Other)... 2 2 (ref:conc1) Q.10 And which of the following should the President and Congress be paying the next most attention to? The economy, jobs and the financial crisis... 21 19 The war in Iraq... 16 17 Health care... 13 16 Taxes and spending... 11 11 Energy and gas prices... 10 11 Terrorism and national security... 9 5 Illegal immigration... 8 9 Social Security and Medicare... 6 8 The environment... 3 1 Moral values... 2 2 (None)... 1 1 (Other)... 1 1 (ref:conc2) Combined Concerns The economy, jobs and the financial crisis... 71 75 The war in Iraq... 21 22 Taxes and spending... 18 15 Health care... 18 22 Terrorism and national security... 17 14 Energy and gas prices... 14 14 Illegal immigration... 12 9 Social Security and Medicare... 9 12 Moral values... 8 6 The environment... 5 3 (None)... 3 4 (Other)... 2 3
4 Q.11 Over the next six months, do you think the economy will get better, get worse, or stay about the same? Get better... 32 31 Get worse... 31 29 Stay about the same... 31 36 (Don't know/refused)... 6 4 (ref:economy) Q.12 Do you approve or disapprove of the way George Bush is handling his job as president? Strongly approve... 17 14 Somewhat approve... 16 11 Somewhat disapprove... 10 9 Strongly disapprove... 53 63 (Don't know/refused)... 3 4 Total approve... 34 24 Total disapprove... 64 72 Approve - disapprove...-30-48 (ref:candapp2) Q.13 Do you approve or disapprove of the job Congress is doing? Strongly approve... 2 1 Somewhat approve... 12 15 Somewhat disapprove... 29 23 Strongly disapprove... 53 56 (Don't know/refused)... 4 5 Total approve... 14 17 Total disapprove... 82 78 Approve - disapprove...-68-62 (ref:congapro)
5 Q.14 Do you approve or disapprove of the way (CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVE) handling his/her job as a member of the U.S. Congress? Strongly approve... 20 12 Somewhat approve... 18 18 Somewhat disapprove... 14 12 Strongly disapprove... 31 36 (Don't know/refused)... 17 22 Total approve... 38 30 Total disapprove... 45 48 Approve - disapprove...-7-18 (ref:congapp)
6 Q.15 Now, I'd like to rate your feelings toward some people and organizations, with one hundred meaning a VERY WARM, FAVORABLE feeling; zero meaning a VERY COLD, UNFAVORABLE feeling; and fifty meaning not particularly warm or cold. You can use any number from zero to one hundred, the higher the number the more favorable your feelings are toward that person or organization. If you have no opinion or never heard of that person or organization, please say so. % % % Mean Warm Cool ID 15 George W. Bush...37 32 59 100 Latino...30 21 65 100 16 Barack Obama...50 46 44 99 Latino...63 63 25 98 17 John McCain...51 46 40 99 Latino...42 32 48 98 18 Republicans in Congress...43 30 46 98 Latino...39 21 47 97 19 Democrats in Congress...39 30 52 98 Latino...48 41 39 96 20 Joe Biden...48 41 41 95 Latino...56 49 27 89 21 Sarah Palin...48 42 44 96 Latino...36 26 54 91 22 Henry Paulson...37 13 31 57 Latino...37 10 25 46 23 (Democratic congressional candidate/incumbent)...45 31 36 81 Latino...50 33 28 80 24 (Republican congressional candidate/incumbent)...43 29 42 84 Latino...37 22 48 80 (ref:therm04)
7 Q.25 (IF "ALREADY VOTED" IN CP3) Thinking about the presidential election, did you vote for Democrat Barack Obama, Republican John McCain, Libertarian Party candidate Bob Barr and Independent candidate Ralph Nader? (IF OTHER THAN "ALREADY VOTED" IN CP3) Now, thinking about the presidential election in November. If the election for president were held today and the candidates were -- Democrat Barack Obama, Republican John McCain, Libertarian Party candidate Bob Barr and Independent candidate Ralph Nader? Democrat Barack Obama... 45 62 Lean Democrat Barack Obama... 1 1 Republican John McCain... 47 28 Lean Republican John McCain... 1 1 Independent Ralph Nader... 2 4 Lean Independent Ralph Nader... 0 1 Libertarian Bob Barr... 1 - Lean Libertarian Bob Barr... 0 - (Other candidate)... 0 - Lean (Other candidate)...- - (Undecided)... 1 1 (Refused)... 1 2 Total Democrat Barack Obama... 45 63 Total Republican John McCain... 48 30 Total Ralph Nader... 2 4 Total Bob Barr... 2 - Total (Other candidate)... 0 - Two-Way Allocated Vote Barack Obama... 47 65 John McCain... 49 30 (Undecided)... 4 5 (ref:pres083)
8 Q.27 Even though you are not supporting Democrat Barack Obama now, what are the chances that you might support Democrat Barack Obama in the election for President in November -- is there a fair chance that you might support that candidate, a small chance, just a very slight chance or no chance at all that you might support that candidate? Fair chance... 3 3 A small chance... 3 1 Very slight chance... 3 3 No chance at all... 44 27 (Don't know/refused)... 1 3 Obama Supporter... 45 63 (ref:vcsom1) Q.28 Even though you are not supporting Republican John McCain now, what are the chances that you might support Republican John McCain in the election for President in November -- is there a fair chance that you might support that candidate, a small chance, just a very slight chance or no chance at all that you might support that candidate? Fair chance... 2 1 A small chance... 4 4 Very slight chance... 6 9 No chance at all... 39 53 (Don't know/refused)... 1 3 Mccain Supporter... 48 30 (ref:vcsom2)
9 Q.30 (ASK IF "ALREADY VOTED" IN CP3) Thinking about the election for Congress, did you vote for -- the (DEMOCRATIC HOUSE CANDIDATE) or (REPUBLICAN HOUSE CANDIDATE)? (ASK IF OTHER THAN "ALREADY VOTED" IN CP3) Thinking about the election for Congress in November, if the election for U.S. Congress were held today, would you be voting for the (DEMOCRATIC HOUSE CANDIDATE) or (REPUBLICAN HOUSE CANDIDATE)? Democratic candidate... 47 59 Lean Democratic candidate... 4 7 Republican candidate... 43 23 Lean Republican candidate... 3 2 (Other candidate)... 0 1 Lean (Other candidate)... 0 1 (Undecided)... 2 2 (Refused)... 2 5 Total Democratic candidate... 50 66 Total Republican candidate... 45 25 Total (Other candidate)... 1 2 Democrat - Republican... 5 41 (ref:cong06)
10 Q.32 Now, I am going to read a list of issues and I want you to tell me whether, overall, you think the Democrats or the Republicans would do a better job with this issue. If you do not know, just tell me and we will move on to the next item. Dems Dems Reps Reps Dems Much Smwt Smwt Much Nei- DK/ Total Total - Bttr Bttr Bttr Bttr Both ther Ref Dems Reps Reps 32 (SPLIT A) The economy... 28 21 18 26 1 2 5 49 44 5 Latino... 49 21 7 15 1 2 5 69 23 46 33 (SPLIT A) Taxes... 26 20 14 32 0 2 5 46 46-1 Latino... 44 19 5 21 1 2 7 64 26 37 34 (SPLIT A) Health care... 38 15 16 22 1 4 4 53 37 16 Latino... 51 18 5 13 2 2 10 69 17 51 35 (SPLIT B) Retirement and Social Security... 29 18 17 22 2 3 10 47 38 9 Latino... 41 18 10 18-6 6 59 28 31 36 (SPLIT A) Protecting the environment... 40 24 11 14 2 4 6 64 25 39 Latino... 47 28 4 9 2 2 8 74 13 61 37 (SPLIT B) Handling illegal immigration... 14 14 19 28 1 7 15 28 48-20 Latino... 21 16 14 27-4 18 37 41-4 38 (SPLIT A) Energy and gas prices... 26 18 14 28 2 4 8 44 42 2 Latino... 43 19 7 13 4 4 10 62 20 42 39 (SPLIT B) Bringing the right kind of change... 35 10 16 25 1 3 10 45 41 4 Latino... 40 15 10 19 2 3 10 55 29 25 40 (SPLIT A) Fighting for people... 30 20 13 21 2 3 11 50 35 16 Latino... 47 22 7 10 3 3 8 69 17 52
11 Dems Dems Reps Reps Dems Much Smwt Smwt Much Nei- DK/ Total Total - Bttr Bttr Bttr Bttr Both ther Ref Dems Reps Reps 41 (SPLIT B) Shares our values... 28 12 12 34 1 3 10 40 46-6 Latino... 33 16 12 23 1 2 12 49 35 14 42 (SPLIT B) The financial crisis in the country... 26 16 16 27 1 6 9 42 43-1 Latino... 28 21 15 25-3 8 49 40 9 43 (SPLIT A) Balancing the budget... 29 17 17 22 2 7 7 46 39 7 Latino... 47 21 6 14 3 2 9 67 20 48 44 (SPLIT B) Cutting wasteful government spending... 20 15 16 31 1 9 8 36 47-11 Latino... 29 17 17 21 1 7 7 47 38 9 45 (SPLIT B) Ensuring we have enough water to meet our future needs... 22 20 13 17 3 6 19 42 30 12 Latino... 28 28 7 16-5 16 56 23 33 (ref:espbetjob) Q.46 Thinking about economic policy, do you support or oppose the 700-billion-dollar bailout plan to help stabilize Wall Street investment companies and the financial sector? Strongly support... 9 11 Somewhat support... 26 18 Somewhat oppose... 16 19 Strongly oppose... 41 42 (Both/neither)... 1 1 (Don't know/refused)... 6 9 Total support... 36 29 Total oppose... 57 61 Support - Oppose...-21-31 (ref:bailout)
12 Q.47 Now, let me read you a series of statements some people have made IN FAVOR of Democrats running for Congress. After hearing each one, please tell me whether it would make you much more likely, somewhat more likely, a little more likely, not more likely, or less likely to vote for the Democrat running for Congress. Much Smwt Lttle Not Much More More More More Less DK/ Much/ Smwt/ Likly Likly Likly Likly Likly Ref Smwt Lttle 47 (SPLIT A) We need to make our economy work for the middle class. (IDEM CANDIDATE) believes in fairness and that if you work hard and play by the rules, you will get ahead. That's why (DEM CANDIDATE) will crack down on greedy Wall Street executives and hold them accountable...32 21 8 10 27 2 53 61 Latino...47 17 5 10 19 2 64 69 48 (SPLIT A) In recent weeks, many of us have lost a lot of our retirement savings, putting our futures at risk. (DEM CANDIDATE) will protect Social Security and Medicare and our retirement savings to ensure everyone can afford to retire...33 18 10 10 27 3 51 61 Latino...51 12 8 7 17 6 62 70 49 (SPLIT B) With the economy getting worse, health care costs are still rising. (DEM CANDIDATE) will reform our health care system and make it more affordable and accessible, emphasize preventive care, and allow people to keep their health care even if they lose their job....32 15 9 9 30 5 48 57 Latino...44 20 6 3 25 2 64 70 50 With many families struggling to make ends meet, we should cut taxes for middle-class families and small businesses. (DEM CANDIDATE) will provide immediate relief to the people who need it the most and who play such an important role in our economy...32 18 8 11 28 3 50 58 Latino...47 16 6 9 19 3 64 69
13 Much Smwt Lttle Not Much More More More More Less DK/ Much/ Smwt/ Likly Likly Likly Likly Likly Ref Smwt Lttle 51 We need to balance the budget to get our economy moving again. For the last several years, we have run up huge budget deficits and the politicians in Washington have increased wasteful spending and earmarks. (DEM CANDIDATE) will cut wasteful spending and get rid of earmarks....30 20 11 9 26 4 50 61 Latino...43 19 8 7 19 4 61 70 52 (SPLIT A) (DEM CANDIDATE) will focus on investing in alternative energy, like wind and solar power, and new and cheaper energy technologies that are produced here at home. This will create good-paying jobs, help consumers and businesses save money, and reduce our dependence on foreign oil....37 21 9 11 21 2 58 67 Latino...45 20 12 11 11-66 78 53 (SPLIT B) (DEM CANDIDATE) will focus on creating jobs and cutting taxes for the middle class, for a change. The Republican candidate, however, supports George Bush's economic policies that have ruined our financial markets, put our retirement at risk, and destroyed nearly a million jobs....29 16 6 9 36 4 45 51 Latino...36 12 5 5 36 5 49 54 54 (SPLIT B) (DEM CANDIDATE) understands our local economy. (DEM CANDIDATE NAME) will invest in alternative energy produced locally, make sure we have enough water to meet our future needs, and help bring new economy jobs to the area so we can continue to strengthen our local economy....30 17 11 9 29 4 47 58 Latino...39 20 7 4 27 3 59 67 (ref:demeconm)
14 Q.55 Which of the following is the most convincing reason to support the Democratic candidate for Congress, based on (his/her) views on the economy? Bush's failed policies... 17 19 Will stand up for the middle class... 15 25 Believes in an economy that is fair and rewards hard work and those who play by the rules... 15 8 (SPLIT A) Represents real change... 12 9 Will rein in wasteful government spending... 11 8 Understands the local economy... 9 13 (SPLIT B) Represents real change from George Will cut taxes... 7 11 (All)... 1 1 (None)... 17 10 (Don't know/refused)... 10 10 (ref:mostconv)
15 Q.56 (ASK IF OTHER THAN "ALREADY VOTED IN CP3) For this election, do you plan on voting by mail or do you plan on voting in person at the polls? Vote by mail, already voted... 20 23 vote by mail, have not yet voted... 16 11 Vote at the polls... 63 64 (Don't know/refused)... 2 2 (ref:vbmvoter) Q.57 What is the last year of schooling that you have completed? 1-11th grade... 2 3 High School graduate... 17 25 Non-college post H.S... 1 1 Some college... 25 25 College graduate... 31 21 Post-graduate school... 23 22 (Don't know/refused)... 2 4 (ref:educ) Q.58 Are you a member of a labor union? Yes: Respondent belongs... 9 14 Household member... 6 11 No member belongs... 84 72 (Don't know/refused)... 2 2 Union Household... 15 25 Non College Non Union... 37 41 (ref:union) Q.59 Are you married, single, separated, divorced, or widowed? Married... 71 70 Single... 11 15 Separated/Divorced... 10 8 Widowed... 6 5 (Don't know/refused)... 2 2 Sep/Div/Wid... 16 13 (ref:marital)
16 Q.60 Do you have any children 18 years of age or younger living at home? Yes... 34 44 No... 64 54 (Don't know/refused)... 1 2 (ref:kids) Q.61 Generally speaking, do you think of yourself as a Democrat, a Republican or what? Strong Democrat... 25 39 Weak Democrat... 11 15 Independent-lean Democrat... 10 10 Independent... 4 4 Independent-lean Republican... 10 7 Weak Republican... 11 7 Strong Republican... 26 14 (Don't know/refused)... 2 5 (ref:ptyid1) Q.62 Thinking in political terms, would you say that you are Conservative, Moderate, or Liberal? Liberal... 17 24 Moderate... 37 37 Conservative... 43 34 (Don't know/refused)... 3 5 (ref:ideo1) Q.63 What is your religion? Protestant... 42 21 Catholic... 26 56 Jewish... 2 1 Muslim... 0 - (Don't know/refused)... 30 22 (ref:relig1)
17 [294 Respondents] Q.64 (ASK IF PROTESTANT IN RELIG1) Which one of these words best describes your kind of Christianity -- fundamentalist, evangelical, charismatic, Pentecostal or moderate to liberal? Fundamentalist... 12 5 Evangelical... 27 36 Charismatic/Pentecostal... 12 27 Moderate to liberal... 32 16 (Something else)... 5 10 (Don't know/refused)... 11 5 (ref:relig3) Q.65 How often do you attend religious services -- every week, once or twice a month, several times a year, or hardly ever? Every week... 38 44 Once or twice a month... 16 20 Several times a year... 11 8 Hardly ever... 22 19 (Never)... 7 4 (Don't know/refused)... 6 6 (ref:relig2) Q.66 How many guns or rifles do you own? None... 48 54 1-2... 14 18 3-9... 18 12 10 or more... 7 9 (Don't know/refused)... 12 8 Total Guns... 39 38 (ref:guns) Q.67 What racial or ethnic group best describes you? White... 73 - African-American or Black... 2 - Hispanic or Latino... 17 100 Native American... 2 - Asian... 1 - (Other)... 2 - (Don't know/refused)... 2 - (ref:racethn)
18 State Arizona... 36 23 Colorado... 9 3 Idaho... 9 2 Montana...- - Nevada... 18 7 New Mexico... 18 63 Utah...- - Wyoming... 9 2 (ref:fips) Q.2 Respondent's gender Male... 47 46 Female... 53 54 (ref:gender)