Minnesota voters are generally satisfied with the response of their state government to the 35W bridge collapse and recent floods. Seventy-seven percent (77%) say their government did a good or an excellent job. A Rasmussen Reports telephone survey found that 17% say the government did a fair job in responding while 4% say poor.

Sixty-seven percent (67%) say the state has done a good or excellent job responding to floods. Twenty percent (20%) say fair and 4% poor.

However, despite these positive reviews, 51% believe it is Very Important for the State Legislature to hold a Special Session to deal with transportation issues and flood relief. Another 34% say a special session is Somewhat Important.

Just 31% believe that Minnesota should raise the gasoline tax. Fifty-nine percent (59%) disagree. Nationally, 86% oppose an increase in the gas tax.

In Minnesota, Democrats are fairly evenly divided on this question, but Republicans oppose a gas tax hike by a 65% to 21% margin. Among those not affiliated with either major party, 64% oppose a gas tax hike while 25% support the concept.

While just 31% of voters favor a gas tax hike, only half that number believe that tax money should be used to pay for a new stadium for the Minnesota Vikings. Seventy-nine percent (79%) are opposed to using tax dollars for the Stadium.

Governor Tim Pawlenty earns good or excellent reviews from 49% of the state’s voters. Twenty-nine percent (29%) say fair and 21% poor. He earns favorable reviews from 81% of Republicans, 23% of Democrats, and 43% of those not affiliated with either major parties.

The survey was conducted in partnership with Fox Television Stations, Inc.

The survey also provided an early look at the race for Minnesota’s Senate race and the Presidential contest for Minnesota’s Electoral College votes.

See survey questions and top-line results. Crosstabs available for Premium Members only.