2012 Democratic Delegate & Alternate Survey

Member Group : Lincoln Institute

2012 Democratic Delegate & Alternate Survey

Total Started Survey: 50
Total Finished Survey: 39

Section I: FEDERAL LEVEL ISSUE QUESTIONS

1. With ONE being the LEAST important and FIVE being the MOST important; we would like to know how you rate the importance of the following issues:

[td c7]Other Responses

* Infrastructure
* Growing income disparity
* Campaign Finance Reform
* Infrastructure funding
* foreign policy in general
* Military, Veteran, and Military familie’s issues
* Defense spending to reduce the deficit
* I approve of the Affordable Health Care Act!

[td c7]answered question[td c7]skipped question
1 2 3 4 5 Rating
Average
Response
Count
Economy 6.3% (3) 2.1% (1) 8.3% (4) 20.8% (10) 62.5% (30) 4.31 48
Development of Energy Resources 12.8% (6) 10.6% (5) 19.1% (9) 29.8% (14) 27.7% (13) 3.49 47
Unemployment Rate 6.3% (3) 4.2% (2) 16.7% (8) 35.4% (17) 37.5% (18) 3.94 48
War in Afghanistan 13.0% (6) 21.7% (10) 32.6% (15) 17.4% (8) 15.2% (7) 3.00 46
Federal Budget Deficit 10.4% (5) 16.7% (8) 22.9% (11) 22.9% (11) 27.1% (13) 3.40 48
Obamacare 10.4% (5) 2.1% (1) 12.5% (6) 27.1% (13) 47.9% (23) 4.00 48
Medicare/Medicaid Reform 6.3% (3) 16.7% (8) 31.3% (15) 27.1% (13) 18.8% (9) 3.35 48
Gay Marriage 19.1% (9) 17.0% (8) 34.0% (16) 17.0% (8) 12.8% (6) 2.87 47
Global Warming 13.0% (6) 10.9% (5) 26.1% (12) 26.1% (12) 23.9% (11) 3.37 46
Abortion 23.4% (11) 17.0% (8) 27.7% (13) 17.0% (8) 14.9% (7) 2.83 47
Tax Cuts 17.4% (8) 23.9% (11) 23.9% (11) 17.4% (8) 17.4% (8) 2.93 46
Social Security Reform 8.3% (4) 22.9% (11) 20.8% (10) 29.2% (14) 18.8% (9) 3.27 48
Mortgage/Banking Crisis 8.3% (4) 20.8% (10) 14.6% (7) 31.3% (15) 25.0% (12) 3.44 48
Gasoline Prices 19.6% (9) 30.4% (14) 21.7% (10) 6.5% (3) 21.7% (10) 2.80 46
Federal Government Spending 6.4% (3) 12.8% (6) 29.8% (14) 27.7% (13) 23.4% (11) 3.49 47
Illegal Immigration 16.7% (8) 27.1% (13) 31.3% (15) 12.5% (6) 12.5% (6) 2.77 48
10
48
2

2. Do you think the Obama Administration’s foreign policies have made the United States more secure or less secure?

Response
Percent
Response
Count
SOMEWHAT MORE SECURE 25.0% 12
ABOUT THE SAME 12.5% 6
SOMEWHAT LESS SECURE 0.0% 0
MUCH LESS SECURE 0.0% 0
MUCH MORE SECURE 62.5% 30
answered question 48
skipped question 2

3. Do you think President Obama’s handling of the War in Afghanistan is on the RIGHT TRACK or off on the WRONG TRACK?

[td c4]answered question[td c4]skipped question
Response
Percent
Response
Count
RIGHT TRACK 83.3% 40
WRONG TRACK 16.7% 8
48
2

4. Do you think the United States should intervent militarily in Syria?

[td c3]answered question[td c3]skipped question
Response
Percent
Response
Count
YES 17.0% 8
NO 83.0% 39
47
3

5. Do you think the United States should intervene militarily to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons?

[td c3]answered question[td c3]skipped question
Response
Percent
Response
Count
YES 27.7% 13
NO 72.3% 34
47
3

6. Generally speaking, do you feel that the U.S. Economy is on the right track, or is it off in the wrong direction?

[td c3]answered question[td c3]skipped question
Response
Percent
Response
Count
RIGHT TRACK 87.5% 42
WRONG DIRECTION 12.5% 6
48
2

7. Who is to blame for the nation’s current economic ills? (Check all that apply)

[td c3]answered question[td c3]skipped question
Response
Percent
Response
Count
PRESIDENT OBAMA 6.3% 3
PRESIDENT BUSH 81.3% 39
FEDERAL RESERVE 10.4% 5
CONGRESS 83.3% 40
CORPORATE AMERICA 70.8% 34
INVESTORS 33.3% 16
CONSUMERS 20.8% 10
Other Responses

* Regulators from 96-08
* Congress and Senate
* Investment banks shorting; inventing/selling derivatives
* The tope 1% who do not pay their fair share of taxes
* Investment banks
* Wall Street excessive borrowing, leveraging, and lax standars; absence of oversight and enforcement of regulations, de-regulation
* entitlement programs
* Governors
* Wall Street

18.8% 9
48
2

8. When it comes to the Bush-era tax rates (cuts) do you Favor:

[td c3]answered question[td c3]skipped question
Response
Percent
Response
Count
Make Bush Tax Rates Permanent for all Americans 2.2% 1
Make Bush Tax Rates Permanent for Families Earning Under $250,000 Per Year 39.1% 18
Temporarily Extend the Bush Tax Rates for All Americans 0.0% 0
Temporarily Extend the Bush Tax Rates for Families Earning Under $250,000 Per Year 41.3% 19
Reinstate the Pre-Bush Higher Rates for All Americans 17.4% 8
46
4

9. Do you FAVOR or OPPOSE extending the Obama cuts in the payroll (Social Security) tax rate?

[td c3]answered question[td c3]skipped question
Response
Percent
Response
Count
STRONGLY FAVOR 27.7% 13
SOMEWHAT FAVOR 46.8% 22
SOMEWHAT OPPOSE 19.1% 9
STRONGLY OPPOSE 6.4% 3
47
3

10. Do you FAVOR or OPPOSE cutting tax rates on Capital Gains?

[td c3]answered question[td c3]skipped question
Response
Percent
Response
Count
STRONGLY SUPPORT 2.1% 1
SOMEWHAT SUPPORT 14.6% 7
SOMEWHAT OPPOSE 41.7% 20
STRONGLY OPPOSE 41.7% 20
48
2

11. When it comes to the estate or "death tax" do you favor:

[td c3]answered question[td c3]skipped question
Response
Percent
Response
Count
ELIMINATING THE ESTATE TAX ENTIRELY 8.5% 4
CUTTING THE ESTATE TAX RATE 23.4% 11
MAINTAINING CURRENT ESTATE RATES 34.0% 16
RAISING THE RATE ON THE ESTATE TAX 34.0% 16
47
3

12. Do you SUPPORT or OPPOSE lowering personal income tax rates as a means of stimulating economic growth?

[td c3]answered question[td c3]skipped question
Response
Percent
Response
Count
STRONGLY SUPPORT 14.6% 7
SOMEWHAT SUPPORT 39.6% 19
SOMEWHAT OPPOSE 20.8% 10
STRONGLY OPPOSE 25.0% 12
48
2

13. Which approach would you take toward balancing the federal budget?

[td c3]answered question[td c3]skipped question
Response
Percent
Response
Count
RAISE TAXES ONLY 6.3% 3
COMBINATION OF TAX HIKES/SPENDING CUTS 89.6% 43
SPENDING CUTS ONLY 4.2% 2
48
2

14. Generally speaking, do you favor or oppose free trade policies (such as NAFTA or CAFTA)?

[td c3]answered question[td c3]skipped question
Response
Percent
Response
Count
STRONGLY FAVOR 17.0% 8
SOMEWHAT FAVOR 36.2% 17
SOMEWHAT OPPOSE 38.3% 18
STRONGLY OPPOSE 8.5% 4
47
3

15. Do you FAVOR or OPPOSE raising the U.S. Government debt ceiling?

[td c3]answered question[td c3]skipped question
Response
Percent
Response
Count
STRONGLY FAVOR 40.4% 19
SOMEWHAT FAVOR 38.3% 18
SOMEWHAT OPPOSE 17.0% 8
STRONGLY OPPOSE 4.3% 2
47
3

16. What do you see as the solution to America’s oil energy needs? (Check all that apply.)

[td c3]answered question[td c3]skipped question
Response
Percent
Response
Count
More Domestic Drilling 25.0% 12
Development of Alternate Fuels 93.8% 45
Importing More Foreign Oil 6.3% 3
Conservation 66.7% 32
Other Responses 20.8% 10
48
2

17. Do you SUPPORT or OPPOSE term limits on Members of Congress?

[td c3]answered question[td c3]skipped question
Response
Percent
Response
Count
STRONGLY SUPPORT 38.3% 18
SOMEWHAT SUPPORT 23.4% 11
SOMEWHAT OPPOSE 17.0% 8
STRONGLY OPPOSE 21.3% 10
47
3

18. Do you believe the Federal government is primarily an adversarial force when it comes to helping solve problems, or is the Federal government a positive force in helping people.

[td c3]answered question[td c3]skipped question
Response
Percent
Response
Count
POSITIVE FORCE 93.6% 44
ADVERSARIAL FORCE 8.5% 4
47
3

19. Do you believe "global warming" is an accurate environmental assessment, or a greatly overblown issue?

[td c3]answered question[td c3]skipped question
Response
Percent
Response
Count
ACCURATE ASSESSMENT 91.7% 44
GREATLY OVERBLOWM 8.3% 4
48
2

20. Do you believe in "natural rights," that our basic rights as Americans are God-given; or are our rights granted to us by government?

[td c3]answered question[td c3]skipped question
Response
Percent
Response
Count
RIGHTS ARE GOD-GIVEN 29.5% 13
RIGHTS ARE GRANTED BY GOVERNMENT 70.5% 31
44
6

21. Do you think Social Security will be around for the next generations of Americans or will it go bankrupt?

[td c3]answered question[td c3]skipped question
Response
Percent
Response
Count
YES, WITHOUT CHANGE IT WILL BE AROUND 27.1% 13
YES, WITH SUBSTANTIAL CHANGES IT WILL BE AROUND 64.6% 31
NO, IT’S HEADED TOWARD BANKRUPTCY 10.4% 5
48
2

22. Do you think younger Americans should be allowed to invest a portion of their Social Security funds in personal savings accounts outside of the current Social Security system?

[td c3]answered question[td c3]skipped question
Response
Percent
Response
Count
YES 22.9% 11
NO 77.1% 37
48
2

23. Do you think federal earmarks, specific spending directed by Members of Congress, are an appropriate way for Congress to spend tax money or wasteful spending?

[td c3]answered question[td c3]skipped question
Response
Percent
Response
Count
APPROPRIATE WAY 31.9% 15
WASTEFUL SPENDING 68.1% 32
47
3

Page: Section II: STATE LEVEL ISSUE QUESTIONS

1. Do you feel the property tax-based system currently utilized by school districts, local and county governments to fund services is fair and equitable to most segments of your community?

[td c3]answered question[td c3]skipped question
Response
Percent
Response
Count
FAIR 19.4% 7
UNFAIR 80.6% 29
36
14

2. Would you favor or oppose replacing property/real estate taxes with:

[td c3]answered question[td c3]skipped question
Response
Percent
Response
Count
HIGHER STATE SALES TAX RATE 30.0% 9
MORE BROAD BASED STATE SALES TAX AT THE CURRENT RATE 36.7% 11
LOCAL SALES TAX 30.0% 9
LOCAL EARNED INCOME TAXES 16.7% 5
COMBINATION LOCAL SALES/EARNED INCOME TAX 56.7% 17
30
20

3. Generally speaking, do you feel PERSONAL STATE INCOME TAXES are too high, about right, too low?

[td c3]answered question[td c3]skipped question
Response
Percent
Response
Count
TOO HIGH 14.3% 5
ABOUT RIGHT 68.6% 24
TOO LOW 20.0% 7
35
15

4. Generally speaking, do you feel STATE BUSINESS TAXES are too high, about right, too low?

[td c3]answered question[td c3]skipped question
Response
Percent
Response
Count
TOO HIGH 17.6% 6
ABOUT RIGHT 67.6% 23
TOO LOW 20.6% 7
34
16

5. When it comes to economic development, do you think the state should borrow money to help finance select business ventures, or should the state cut business taxes and regulations?

[td c3]answered question[td c3]skipped question
Response
Percent
Response
Count
BORROW AND FINANCE 78.8% 26
CUT TAXES/REGULATIONS 21.2% 7
33
17

6. Do you feel vouchers or grants should be made available to students who wish to attend a PUBLIC school in a district other than their own?

[td c3]answered question[td c3]skipped question
Response
Percent
Response
Count
YES 25.0% 9
NO 77.8% 28
36
14

7. Generally speaking do you feel Corbett Administration cuts to K-12 public education are:

[td c3]answered question[td c3]skipped question
Response
Percent
Response
Count
TOO DEEP 97.2% 35
ABOUT RIGHT 2.8% 1
NOT DEEP ENOUGH 0.0% 0
36
14

8. When it comes to the state’s GENERAL FUND budget, would you say spending is:

[td c3]answered question[td c3]skipped question
Response
Percent
Response
Count
TOO HIGH 17.6% 6
ABOUT RIGHT 29.4% 10
TOO LOW 52.9% 18
34
16

9. Would you favor an increase in the State’s Gas Tax as a way to help pay for more infrastructure costs?

[td c3]answered question[td c3]skipped question
Response
Percent
Response
Count
YES 80.6% 29
NO 19.4% 7
36
14

10. Would you FAVOR or OPPOSE an increase in vehicle registration and/or driver license fees to help fund road and bridge improvements?

[td c3]answered question[td c3]skipped question
Response
Percent
Response
Count
STRONGLY FAVOR 43.2% 16
SOMEWHAT FAVOR 51.4% 19
SOMEWHAT OPPOSE 2.7% 1
STRONGLY OPPOSE 2.7% 1
37
13

11. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania currently is in debt in the amount of $110 billion dollars, or about $9,000 for every citizen of the state. Do you think this too much, about the right amount, or not enough debt?

[td c3]answered question[td c3]skipped question
Response
Percent
Response
Count
TOO MUCH 53.1% 17
ABOUT THE RIGHT AMOUNT 40.6% 13
NOT ENOUGH 6.3% 2
32
18

12. Some states within the nation have a RIGHT TO WORK law, which means that a worker cannot be fired or kept from having a job for either joining or not joining a union. Do you favor or oppose such a law in Pennsylvania?

[td c3]answered question[td c3]skipped question
Response
Percent
Response
Count
STRONGLY FAVOR 32.4% 12
SOMEWHAT FAVOR 21.6% 8
SOMEWHAT OPPOSE 18.9% 7
STRONGLY OPPOSE 27.0% 10
37
13

13. Do you support or oppose a ban on public school teachers strikes?

[td c3]answered question[td c3]skipped question
Response
Percent
Response
Count
STRONGLY SUPPORT 8.1% 3
SOMEWHAT SUPPORT 27.0% 10
SOMEWHAT OPPOSE 51.4% 19
STRONGLY SUPPORT 16.2% 6
37
13

14. Do you FAVOR or OPPOSE privatizing the state’s liquor store system?

[td c3]answered question[td c3]skipped question
Response
Percent
Response
Count
STRONGLY FAVOR 40.0% 14
SOMEWHAT FAVOR 14.3% 5
SOMEWHAT OPPOSE 11.4% 4
STRONGLY OPPOSE 34.3% 12
35
15

15. If you had to chose one person, who would you select as the 2014 Democratic Nominee for Governor of Pennsylvania?

Response
Count
Responses

* michael nutter mayor of phil
* State Senator Jay Costa
* Bob Casey
* Ed Rendall
* Bob Casey
* Joe Sestak
* I don’t have a name at this time.
* Joe Sestak
* Patrick Murphy
* Joe Sestak
* ROBERT A BRADY
* Joe Sestak
* Allyson Schwartz
* Cheri Honkala
* Jack Wagner
* Robin Wiessmann
* Michael Nutter
* How would I know the answer to this now?! How do I know who might want to run? If Governor Rendell could run again, I would choose him.
* Rob McCord
* Rob McCord
* Christopher Carney
* Mayor Michael Nutter
* Rob McCord
* McCord
* Joe Sestak
* Scott Conklin
* Josh Shapiro
* Bob Casey
* Bob Casey
* Jim Burn, Allegheny County
* State Treasurer Rob McCord

31
answered question 31
skipped question 19

16. PLEASE ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS ABOUT YOURSELF: ARE YOU:

[td c3]answered question[td c3]skipped question
Response
Percent
Response
Count
VERY CONSERVATIVE 2.7% 1
SOMEWHAT CONSERVATIVE 2.7% 1
MODERATE 27.0% 10
SOMEWHAT LIBERAL 40.5% 15
VERY LIBERAL 27.0% 10
37
13

17. GENDER:

[td c3]answered question[td c3]skipped question
Response
Percent
Response
Count
MALE 32.4% 12
FEMALE 67.6% 25
37
13

18. AGE:

[td c3]answered question[td c3]skipped question
Response
Percent
Response
Count
18-30 8.1% 3
30-50 16.2% 6
50-65 56.8% 21
OVER 65 18.9% 7
37
13

19. Please feel free to share with us any comments you might have on federal and/or state policy issues:

Response
Count
Responses

* This survey had too many ambiguously worded questions, as well as a number of typos… Surprised at no questions re Marcellus Shale, and other environmental Q’s… Felt this was a sloppily drafted survey….
* question 13 doesn’t have the strongly oppose option which is the one I would have chosen.
* PA infrastructure must be addressed now PA education funding is jeopardizing the future workforce of a state that is rapidly aging and retiring There must be stronger reform of Wall Street and the securities industry, possibly examine reinstating Glass-Stegal.
* Some of your questions were too broad. Some questions I did not feel I knew enough about the topic to answer with intelligence.
* Voter ID laws are shameful. Obamacare is essential to implement
* Close Corporate Tax loopholes/outlaw passive entities used for tax avoidance…go to Combined Reporting as IRS requires at federal level. Impose a fair severance tax (4-6%) on natural gas drilling in PA — use funds for public education, economic development and public welfare (ie, for persons with disabilities); consolidate municipal pensions at the state level to save admin costs and enhance investment returns; amend Constitution so legislators cannot draw their own legislative district lines (Congressional or State Senate/House districts); uncap the oil franchise tax and invest in transportation infrastructure and mass transit – particularly passenger rail to serve regional economies.
* The survey was poorly worded. I am not sure it would have passed the reliability or validity tests.
* Give me five minutes with the Sect of Defense and I would balance the budget,
* Education cuts are too deep. The Governor, House and Senate should listen to the citizens of Pennsylvania, not Grover Norquist. Grover has many hats, unfortunately, one of his hats is in Pennsylvania!
* Federal Govt should implement Simpson/Bowles or similar. Need to address all 4 issues – cuts to entitlements ok ONLY if paired with cuts to military and tax increases (restore Clinton rates for all). We had a surplus in the 90s.
* Some of your questions are problematic since I did not want to pick any choice because it gave a false view. for example, question 2 state level, I think that schools should be financed by more state spending but not just sales tax. I think there should be a graduated income tax at a higher level not greater sales tax only.
* The safety net is disappearing for our most vurnerable citizens young and old in PA

12
answered question 12
skipped question 38