Politics

54% Favor Full Combat Role for Women in Military

Most voters think women should be allowed to serve in the same combat military roles as men but also believe they should be able to pass the same physical tests as men do if they’re going to be in the Green Berets or Navy SEALs.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 22% of Likely U.S. Voters incorrectly believe that women in the military are already allowed to fight on the front lines and perform all the combat roles that men do. Fifty-six percent (56%) recognizing that this is not true. Twenty-one percent (21%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on February 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.

What They Told Us: Reviewing Last Week’s Key Polls - Week Ending February 17, 2012

Politics is often a game of inches, especially when you’ve got a contest like this year’s for the White House. Gains in the economy or even perceptions that it’s improving could be enough to get President Obama across the finish line ahead of his Republican opponent.

For the first time in over two years, the number of Americans who believe the economy will be stronger one year from now is slightly higher than the number who expect it to be weaker. Thirty-seven percent (37%) believe the economy will be stronger in one year, up 10 points from November’s all-time low of 27%, while 35% expect it to be weaker a year from now.

The Rasmussen Consumer and Investor Indexes show a continuing gain in confidence among both groups, compared to a year ago.

Obama Up Big In California Against Romney, Santorum

President Obama leads both Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum by more than 20 points in California,  as nearly six-out-of-ten voters approve of the way he's handling his job.

New Rasmussen Reports data shows that if Romney is the Republican nominee, Obama leads 57% to 35%.

If Santorum becomes the GOP standard bearer, the president leads 58% to 30%.

President Obama leads Romney by 23 points among unaffiliated voters and Santorum by 34 points among the same group.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

This California survey of 500 Likely Voters was conducted February 8-16, 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.

Obama Up Big In California Against Romney, Santorum

President Obama leads both Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum by more than 20 points in California,  as nearly six-out-of-ten voters approve of the way he's handling his job.
 
New Rasmussen Reports data shows that if Romney is the Republican nominee, Obama leads 57% to 35%.
 
If Santorum becomes the GOP standard bearer, the president leads 58% to 30%.
 
President Obama leads Romney by 23 points among unaffiliated voters and Santorum by 34 points among the same group.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

This California survey of 500 Likely Voters was conducted February 8-16, 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.

Ohio GOP Primary: Santorum 42%, Romney 24%

Former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum continues to ride his polling momentum into Ohio where he leads Mitt Romney by nearly two-to-one in the first Rasmussen Reports survey of Republicans in the state.

The new statewide telephone survey of Likely Republican Primary voters shows Santorum picking up 42% of the vote to Romney’s 24%. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich draws 13% support, while Texas Congressman Ron Paul picks up 10%. Three percent (3%) prefer some other candidate, and eight percent (8%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

This Ohio survey of 750 Likely Republican Primary Voters was conducted on February 15, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

52% Say It’s Better for GOP To Work With Obama Than Stand on Principle

Most voters still think Republicans and Democrats in Congress are out of touch with their respective party bases but now believe it’s more important for the GOP to work with President Obama than to fight him. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 52% of Likely U.S. Voters now feel that, looking to the future, it’s more important for the Republican Party to work with the president rather than stand for what it believes in. Forty-four percent (44%) disagree and think standing for what the party believes in is more important. (To see survey question wording, click here.) The survey of 1,000 Likely U.S. Voters was conducted on February 12-13, 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.

New Mexico: Obama 55%, Santorum 37%

Despite the popularity of New Mexico’s new Republican governor and the closeness of its U.S. Senate race, President Obama far outdistances his two likeliest GOP challengers in Rasmussen Reports’ first look at the presidential contest in the state. 

A new telephone survey of Likely New Mexico Voters finds the president earning 55% of the vote against both Rick Santorum and Mitt Romney. Santorum picks up 37% support. Four percent (4%) prefer some other candidate, and four percent (4%) more are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Romney earns a similar 36% against the president, with five percent (5%) going for another candidate and five percent (5%) more undecided.

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

This New Mexico survey of 500 Likely Voters was conducted on February 14, 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.

New Mexico Senate: Heinrich (D) 45%, Wilson (R) 43%

The first Rasmussen Reports survey of the U.S. Senate race in New Mexico shows a tight contest between former Republican Congresswoman Heather Wilson and her two likeliest Democratic challengers.

The statewide telephone survey of Likely Voters in the state finds Democratic Congressman Martin Heinrich picking up 45% of the vote against Wilson, who draws 43% support. Five percent (5%) prefer some other candidate in the race, while seven percent (7%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

If State Auditor Hector Balderas is the Democratic candidate, he and Wilson are tied at 44% each. Three percent (3%) prefer another candidate, and nine percent (9%) are undecided.

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

This New Mexico survey of 500 Likely Voters was conducted on February 14, 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. 

59% Have Favorable Opinion of Social Security

Most voters continue to have a favorable opinion of Social Security, but they also don't believe the government retirement system will pay all their promised benefits. 

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 59% of Likely Voters share at least a somewhat favorable opinion of Social Security, but one-in three (35%) have an unfavorable view of it. These figures include 25% who have a Very Favorable impression of Social Security and eight percent (8%) who view it Very Unfavorably.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The national survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on February 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. 

59% of Catholics Disapprove of Obama’s Job Performance

Catholics strongly disapprove of the job President Obama is doing as the debate continues over his administration’s new policy forcing Catholic institutions to pay for contraception they morally oppose. While the president’s overall job approval ratings have improved over the past couple of months, they have remained steady among Catholics.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 59% of likely Catholic voters nationwide at least somewhat disapprove of the president’s job performance, while 40% at least somewhat approve. But the passion’s on the side of those who don’t like the job he’s doing: 44% Strongly Disapprove versus 19% who Strongly Approve.

The survey of 3,500 Likely Voters was conducted February 6-12, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 2 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 Ohio Voters View Social Security, Medicare Favorably

Ohio voters, compared to voters nationwide, have a more favorable opinion of Social Security but view Medicare about the same.

A new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Likely Voters in Ohio finds that 65% have at least a somewhat favorable opinion of Social Security, including 31% who have a Very Favorable opinion of it.  Thirty percent (30%) have an unfavorable impression of the government retirement system, with eight percent (8%) who have a Very Unfavorable opinion of it.  (To see survey question working, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 500 Likely Voters in Ohio was conducted on February 8, 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.

Voters Are Gung-Ho for Use of Drones But Not Over the United States

Voters strongly approve of President Obama's decision to use unmanned drones to go after terrorists, but they're much less excited about the use of such aircraft for surveillance on the home front.

The president recently acknowledged that the United States has a secret drone program for killing al-Qaeda and Taliban terrorists, and the latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just nine percent (9%) of Likely U.S. Voters oppose such a program.  Seventy-six percent (76%) approve of the use of the unmanned aircraft to kill terrorists. Fifteen percent (15%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on February 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.

52% Say GOP Agenda In Congress Is Extreme

While positive ratings for Congress remain at an all-time low, more voters than ever see the Republican agenda in Congress as extreme.  

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 35% of Likely Voters say it would be more accurate to describe the agenda of Republicans in Congress as mainstream, while 52% feel extreme is a more accurate description.  Thirteen percent (13%) are not sure.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters nationwide was conducted on February 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.

Voters Grow More Aware of Defense Secretary Panetta

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, who recently announced significant cuts to the defense budget and plans for the United States to end its combat role in Afghanistan earlier than scheduled, is a bit more recognizable to voters these days. So far, this increased awareness has mostly worked in his favor.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of Likely U.S. Voters shows that 39% view Panetta at least somewhat favorably, up 10 points from December. Thirty-four percent (34%) now view the former Central Intelligence Agency director unfavorably, up only slightly from the last survey. These findings include Very Favorable marks from 14% and Very Unfavorable reviews from 12%.

Twenty-seven percent (27%) of voters still don’t know enough about Panetta to offer an opinion, but that’s down from 38% in December.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

50% Approve of Obama in Ohio, 44% Say Same of Kasich

Voters in the key battleground state of Ohio have decidedly mixed feelings about Republican Governor John Kasich and President Obama these days.

A new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey finds that 44% of Likely Ohio Voters at least somewhat approve of the job Kasich is doing after his first year as governor, while 50% at least somewhat disapprove. But the emotion’s on the side of the governor’s opponents: The overall findings include 17% who Strongly Approve of his job performance versus 32% who Strongly Disapprove. (To see survey question wording, click here and here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 500 Likely Voters in Ohio was conducted on February 8, 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.

What They Told Us: Reviewing Last Week’s Key Polls - Week Ending February 10, 2012

Here we go again. Another Republican surges up out of the pack to challenge Mitt Romney’s grip on the party’s presidential nomination. Meanwhile, President Obama appears to have helped his rivals with a bad political call forcing Catholic institutions to go against their basic beliefs and pay for contraception.

In a survey taken Monday evening, Romney reclaimed the lead in the national race for the Republican presidential nomination, jumping ahead of former House Speaker Newt Gingrich 34% to 27%. Former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum earned 18% of the vote, and Texas Congressman Ron Paul ran last with 11%.

Then the following day Santorum won the trifecta, sweeping caucuses in Minnesota and Colorado and a non-binding primary in Missouri. His numbers nationally and in other states began to move, reinforcing that Romney has yet to seal the deal with many Republican voters. Still, 75% of those voters predicted early in the week that Romney will be the ultimate nominee, but it will be interesting to see if Romney holds on to the leads he has in the next primary states of  Arizona and Michigan.

32% Say Arab Spring Good for U.S., 31% Say Bad

With political chaos continuing in Egypt and Libya, voters are now evenly divided over whether the political changes from last year’s so-called “Arab Spring” are good or bad for the United States. Most favor an end to long-standing U.S. aid to Egypt.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 32% of Likely U.S. Votes believe that the recent changes in government in countries such as Egypt, Libya and Tunisia are good for the United States. But just as many (31%) now disagree and see them as bad. Fourteen percent (14%) think the changes from the Arab Spring have no impact on America, but an additional 24% aren’t sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters nationwide was conducted on February 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 Senate: Brown (D) 44%, Mandel (R) 40%

Incumbent Democrat Sherrod Brown has a narrow lead over Republican challenger Josh Mandel in Rasmussen Reports’ first look at Ohio’s 2012 race for the U.S. Senate.

A new telephone survey of Likely Voters in the state shows Brown earning 44% support to Mandel’s 40%. Four percent (4%) like another candidate in the race, and, tellingly, 12% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

This Ohio survey of 500 Likely Voters was conducted on February 8, 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.

More Voters Than Ever Blame Bush, Not Obama, for Bad Economy

Voter confidence in President Obama’s handling of the economy is at its highest level in a year’s time. That’s in line with the recent upticks in overall economic confidence and in Obama’s job approval ratings as measured by the Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll.

Forty percent (40%) of Likely U.S. Voters now rate the president’s performance in the economic area as good or excellent, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. That’s up from 36% a week ago and is the highest positive finding since the first week in February 2011. Obama seldom has cracked the 40% mark in regular surveying since the first year of his presidency. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The surveys of 1,000 Likely Voters each were conducted February 4-5, 2012 and February 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.

53% Approve of Obama in Michigan

Most voters in Michigan now like the job President Obama is doing as president, but voters give mixed marks to their new governor, Republican Rick Snyder.

A new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Likely Voters in Michigan finds that 53% approve of the presidents’ job performance, while 45% disapprove. This includes 34% who Strongly Approve and an identical 34% who Strongly Disapprove. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

This Michigan survey of 1,806 Likely Voters was conducted on February 1, 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.