Politics

16% Have Favorable Opinion of Libertarian Candidate Gary Johnson

Libertarian Party presidential candidate Gary Johnson is on the ballot in all 50 states but is largely unknown to the nation’s voters.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 16% of Likely U.S. Voters have a favorable opinion of Johnson, while 20% offer an unfavorable view. Only one-out-of-10 have a strong opinion of him: Two percent (2%) have a Very Favorable view of Johnson, while eight percent (8%) have a Very Unfavorable one. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on August 22-23, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Missouri: Obama 47%, Romney 46%

As the controversy over Republican Senate candidate Todd Akin’s “legitimate rape” comment continues, Mitt Romney’s lead in Missouri has vanished.

The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Likely Missouri Voters finds President Obama with 47% support to Romney’s 46%. Three percent (3%) favor some other candidate in the race, and three percent (3%) more are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 500 Likely Voters in Missouri was conducted on August 22, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

69% Think Most Politicians Break the Rules for Big Contributors

Money talks as far as most voters are concerned. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 69% of Likely U.S. Voters believe most politicians break the rules to help people who give them a lot of money. That’s up slightly from 63% four years ago. Just 13% disagree and don’t think most politicians are for sale. Eighteen percent (18%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on August 18-19, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

47% Fear Health Care Law More Than Ryan’s Medicare Reform Plan

Democrats hope to make inroads in the senior vote by raising concerns about Mitt Romney running mate Paul Ryan’s Medicare reform proposal, but most seniors are more fearful of President Obama’s health care law than they are of Ryan’s plan.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that when it comes to the future of Medicare, 47% of Likely U.S. Voters are scared more of the health care law than of Ryan’s proposal.  Forty-one percent (41%) are more scared of what Ryan has proposed. Twelve percent (12%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on August 20-21, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Fieldwork for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

47% Say Media Bias Bigger Problem Than Campaign Contributions, 42% Disagree

Most voters continue to believe it is not possible to run for the presidency without help from lobbyists and special interest groups. A narrow plurality, however, continues to believe that media bias is a bigger problem than big campaign contributions.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only 22% of Likely U.S. Voters believe it is possible to run for president in today’s world without having ties to any lobbyists and special interest groups. Fifty-seven percent (57%) disagree and say it is not possible to seek the presidency without ties to lobbyists and special interest groups. Twenty-one percent (21%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on August 18-19, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Among Entrepreneurs, Romney Leads By 20

Ever since President Obama’s “You didn’t build that” comment, the Obama campaign has fought back against the perception that he values government workers more than small business owners. Regardless of whether the comments were taken out of context or reflect his true beliefs, the president trails badly among the nation’s entrepreneurs.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that among those who are self-employed or own their own business, Mitt Romney enjoys a 20-point lead. Fifty-six percent (56%) favor Romney, and 36% prefer the president.

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The national telephone survey of 7,000 Likely U.S. Voters was conducted by Rasmussen Reports from August 6-19, 2012. The sample included 815 government workers and 1,040 entrepreneurs. The margin of sampling error for the survey is +/- 1 percentage point with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

63% Oppose Driver’s Licenses, Public Benefits for Illegal Immigrants Who Get Work Permits

Most voters still agree with President Obama’s new policy allowing some young illegal immigrants to get legal work permits, but they strongly oppose also making these young people eligible for driver’s licenses or taxpayer-funded benefits.

Seventy-three percent (73%) of Likely U.S. Voters believe someone brought to this country illegally when he or she was under 16 years old who has no criminal record, has graduated from high school or served in the military should be allowed to apply for a legal work permit. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 19% think someone like this should be deported. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters nationwide was conducted on August 16-17, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Better Qualified To Serve As President? 42% Say Ryan, 40% Biden

Voters are evenly divided as to whether Paul Ryan or Joe Biden is better qualified to serve as president. Not surprisingly, there’s a huge partisan divide on the issue. Forty-two percent (42%) of Likely U.S. Voters say Ryan’s more qualified to be the chief executive, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. But nearly as many (40%) think Biden is a better fit for the job. Eighteen percent (18%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on August 14-15, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

40% Have Unfavorable View of Janet Napolitano

Now the subject of a lawsuit claiming sexual harassment and discrimination against male employees in the highest levels of her department, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano remains one of the most unpopular members of President Obama's Cabinet. 

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 40% of Likely Voters have an unfavorable opinion of the former Arizona governor, including 25% with a Very Unfavorable view of her. Just 27% regard Napolitano favorably, with nine percent (9%) who view her Very Favorably. One-out-of-three voters (34%) don’t know enough about Napolitano to offer any kind of opinion of her. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on August 10-11, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Most Voters Don’t Expect Tax, Spending Cuts From Obama or Romney

Voters still think there’s a greater chance of higher taxes and more government spending if President Obama wins the election and his fellow Democrats take full control of Congress.  But most voters don’t expect Mitt Romney and congressional Republicans, even with budget hawk Paul Ryan on board, to cut taxes and spending if they take over.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 54% of Likely U.S. Voters expect government spending to go up if Obama is reelected and Democrats regain control of Congress. Only eight percent (8%) think spending will go down, and 32% predict that it will stay about the same. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Florida: Romney 45%, Obama 43%

Mitt Romney and President Obama still run nearly even in Florida just days after the Republican named Congressman Paul Ryan to be his running mate.

The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Likely Voters in Florida shows Romney earning 45% support to the president’s 43%. Three percent (3%) like some other candidate, and eight percent (8%) are undecided.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 500 Likely Voters in Florida was conducted on August 15, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

51% Expect Most Reporters To Help Obama; 9% Predict Most Will Help Romney

Most voters think President Obama has gotten better treatment from the media than Mitt Romney has, and they expect that biased coverage to continue. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 59% of Likely U.S. Voters believe Obama has received the best treatment from the media so far. Just 18% think his Republican challenger has been treated better. Twenty-three percent (23%) aren’t sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on August 8-9, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Ohio: Obama 45%, Romney 45%

Rasmussen Reports’ latest look at the presidential race in Ohio shows President Obama and Mitt Romney running dead even at 45% each.

A new telephone survey of Likely Ohio Voters finds that six percent (6%) prefer some other candidate and four percent (4%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 500 Likely Voters in Ohio was conducted on August 13, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

50% Now View Paul Ryan Favorably; 43% Say He Was Right Choice

Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan’s favorables are up after the first blush of national media exposure following Mitt Romney’s selection of him as his vice presidential running mate. But as is generally the case with running mates, Ryan gives only a slight boost to Romney.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 50% of Likely U.S. Voters now have a favorable opinion of Ryan, while 32% view him unfavorably. This includes 29% with a Very Favorable view of Romney’s vice presidential pick and 13% with a Very Unfavorable one.  Only 13% are now unfamiliar with Ryan, and five percent (5%) are not sure about him. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Ohio: 51% Have Favorable Opinion of Paul Ryan

Early reactions to Mitt Romney’s new running mate are modestly positive in Ohio.

Fifty-one percent (51%) have a favorable opinion of the GOP’s Vice Presidential running mate. A new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Likely Voters in Ohio finds that 39% have an unfavorable view. Those figures include 33% with a Very Favorable opinion and 24% with a Very Unfavorable view.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 500 Likely Voters in Ohio was conducted on August 13, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

56% Put Border Control First

Most voters continue as they have for years to put border control ahead of legalizing the illegal immigrants already in this country.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 56% of Likely U.S. Voters think gaining control of the border is more important than legalizing the status of undocumented workers already living here. Thirty-five percent (35%) put legalizing the status of undocumented workers first. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The national survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on August 6-7, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

39% Have Favorable Opinion of Paul Ryan, 25% Unfavorable

Mitt Romney announced this morning that Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan will be his running mate. 

Earlier polling found that 39% of all voters had a favorable opinion of Ryan, while 25% offered a negative review. Thirty-five percent (35%) express no opinion of Ryan. The congressman is relatively unknown to the nation at large. Only a third of voters have a strong opinion in either direction. 

Wisconsin is a state both sides consider key to the presidential election. Right now, President Obama has a modest three-point lead over Romney in the state, and it remains a Toss-Up in the Rasmussen Reports Electoral College Projections. 

53% in Colorado Oppose Tougher Gun Control Laws

Despite last month’s horrendous theater shooting incident in Colorado, most voters in the state don’t see a need for tougher anti-gun laws but do believe the suspected shooter should be executed if he’s convicted.

A new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Likely Colorado Voters finds that 41% think the United States needs stricter gun control laws. But 53% disagree and see no need for stricter anti-gun laws. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

57% Favor Strict Sanctions On Those Who Hire Illegal Immigrants

Most voters continue to favor sanctions on those who hire illegal immigrants but seem to be a little less enthusiastic about it.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 57% of Likely U.S. Voters now favor strict sanctions for employers who hire illegal immigrants. That's down from 65% in April and the first time that support for strong sanctions against employers has fallen below the 60% mark in regular surveying since March 2009.

More in line with surveying earlier this year are the 25% of voters who oppose strict sanctions on employers. Nineteen percent (19%) are not sure about them. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Only 27% Say It's Appropriate for Government to Invest in Private Industry

Most Americans don’t like the idea of the federal government playing favorites in the business world. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 55% of Likely U.S. Voters think it is not appropriate for the government to invest in private companies. Just half that many (27%) disagree and believe it is okay for the government to invest in the private sector. Eighteen percent (18%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on August 4-5, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.