Election 2012: Presidential Election

46% Say Romney Should Release More Tax Returns, 46% Disagree

Mitt Romney has refused to release his tax returns prior to 2010, and voters are evenly divided over whether he should make public his returns from earlier years. But just one-third of voters rate Romney’s tax returns as even somewhat important to how they will vote.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 46% of Likely U.S. Voters think Romney’s release of his tax returns for 2010 and 2011 are enough. The identical number (46%) feels the Republican challenger should release more of his tax returns from earlier years. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The national survey of 1,000 Likely Voters nationwide was conducted on July 23-24, 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.

Among Military Veterans: Romney 59% Obama 35%

Most military veterans don’t like the job President Obama is doing and prefer Mitt Romney in November’s election.

New Rasmussen Reports polling finds that 59% of Likely U.S. Voters who have served in the military favor the Republican challenger, while 35% support the president.  Five percent (5%) of these voters like some other candidate in the race, but only two percent (2%) are undecided.

The national telephone survey of 574 Voters who have served in the military was conducted by Rasmussen Reports from July 9-15, 2012. The margin of sampling error for the survey 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.

Among Uncommitted Voters, Obama Job Approval Is At 29%

Polls over the past month have consistently shown a very close general election race between President Obama and Mitt Romney. The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll has shown Obama’s support between 44% and 46% every day for weeks. During that same time frame, Romney’s support has stayed between 44% and 47%.

While some of those voters could ultimately change their minds, the winner could very well be determined by the eight percent (8%) to 10% of voters who routinely refuse to commit to either of the major party candidates. About half of them prefer a third-party option, and the other half are simply undecided.

The survey of 653 Uncommitted Likely Voters was conducted July 2-15, 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.

Rice is Still No. 1 on Short List of Romney Veep Possibilities

Condi Rice remains the most popular among those Mitt Romney is reportedly considering as a vice presidential running mate.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 65% of Likely U.S. Voters share at least a somewhat favorable view of former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, while just 24% view her unfavorably. This includes 29% with a Very Favorable opinion of her and six percent (6%) with a Very Unfavorable one. Twelve percent (12%) are undecided.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on July 15-16, 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.

41% See Romney’s Business Record As a Positive, 41% Disagree

Voters are now evenly divided over whether Mitt Romney’s business experience is a plus or a minus, but they still consider him more ethical than President Obama.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 41% of Likely U.S. Voters now think Romney’s track record in business is primarily a reason to vote for him, while just as many (41%) consider it chiefly a reason to vote against him. A sizable 18% are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Partisans See Election 2012 As Very Important, Unaffiliateds Not So Sure

As they do every presidential election season, political activists quickly start talking about how this election is the most important of their lifetime. They rile up their own team with this perspective but fail to connect with many unaffiliated voters. (Sign up for free daily e-mail update with all the latest polling highlights).

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that, in terms of the impact on their own lives, 74% of Republicans say Election 2012 is Very Important. Virtually the same number of Democrats (73%) agree. However, among voters not affiliated with either of the major parties, just 42% believe the upcoming election is that important.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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This national survey of 1,000 U.S. Likely Voters was conducted on July 5-6, 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.

Few Voters Expect Better Economy Regardless of Who Wins White House

Voters are not convinced that the economy will improve no matter who's elected president in November.  A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 32% of Likely U.S. Voters believe the economy will get better if President Obama is reelected, but 37% believe it will get worse.

If likely Republican nominee Mitt Romney wins the election, 36% expect the economy to improve, but 35% believe the opposite.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

80% Expect Repeal of Health Care Law If Romney Wins

Many Republican activists have voiced concern over the Romney campaign’s rhetorical stumbles since the U.S. Supreme Court upheld President Obama’s health care law. However, voters still overwhelmingly believe the likely GOP nominee’s claim that he will repeal the law if elected.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 80% of Likely U.S. Voters nationwide think it’s likely the health care law will be repealed if Romney is elected president and Republicans win control of Congress. Just 15% see it as unlikely. The figures include 52% who believe a GOP sweep would make repeal Very Likely.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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This national survey of 1,000 U.S. Likely Voters was conducted on July 5-6, 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% Consider Obama’s Political Views Extreme, 31% Say Same of Romney

A bare majority of voters still considers Mitt Romney in the political mainstream, while the number who think President Obama’s views are extreme has edged up for the second month in a row.  A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 51% of Likely U.S. Voters describe the political views of the presumptive Republican presidential candidate as mainstream. Thirty-one percent (31%) consider his views extreme. Eighteen percent (18%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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This national survey of 1,000 U.S. Likely Voters was conducted on June 29-30, 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.

Rubio’s Favorables Are Rising Among Independents

Florida Senator Marco Rubio’s name recognition is on the rise with increasing mention of him as a possible running mate for Mitt Romney. His favorables are up nationally, especially among independent voters.

Forty-two percent (42%) of Likely U.S. Voters now share a favorable view of the first-term Republican senator, while 31% view him unfavorably. Twenty-eight percent (28%) are undecided. This compares to favorables of 35% and unfavorables of 28% in early April, with 37% undecided.

The new findings include 22% with a Very Favorable opinion of Rubio and 11% with a Very Unfavorable one. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on June 19-20, 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 Still Trust Their Own Economic Judgment Over Romney's, Obama's

Most voters continue to trust themselves more on economic issues than President Obama and his Republican challenger Mitt Romney. 

Sixty-one percent (61%) of Likely Voters say they trust their own judgment over the president’s when it comes to economic issues affecting the nation.  A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 31% trust Obama’s judgment more than their own.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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This national survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on June 7-8, 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 Think Obama, Dems More Likely To Raise Taxes, Spending Than Romney, GOP

Voters are much more convinced that taxes and spending will go up if President Obama is reelected and Democrats regain control of Congress than if Republicans win in November. But they’re not so sure the GOP will cut taxes and spending if it’s in charge. Fifty-one percent (51%) of Likely U.S. Voters think taxes will go up if Obama is returned to the White House and Democrats take over Congress, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Just 31% expect taxes to go up if Mitt Romney is elected and Republicans take control of the House and Senate. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on June 3-4, 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.

52% See Romney As Mainstream, 45% Say Same of Obama

Most voters now see Mitt Romney as politically mainstream, but they're evenly divided over whether President Obama’s political views are mainstream or extreme. 

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of Likely U.S. Voters finds that 52% say it’s more accurate to describe the putative Republican nominee’s views as mainstream, while 30% regard them as extreme. Eighteen percent (18%) are undecided. 

When it comes to the president's political views, 45% of voters say they're in the mainstream, but an identical 45% say it's more accurate to describe them as extreme. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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This national survey of 1,000 U.S. Likely Voters was conducted on May 30-31, 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.

Only 19% See Obama, Romney As Best Possible Presidential Candidates

Mitt Romney may have clinched the Republican nomination this week, but most voters aren't happy with the choices they now face in this year’s presidential election.

Just 19% of Likely U.S. Voters believe Romney and President Obama are the two best people running for the presidency. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 64% don’t believe they're the best possible nominees. Seventeen percent (17%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on May 26-27, 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.

48% Agree With Romney on Issues, 46% Say Same of Obama

President Obama and Mitt Romney run neck-and-neck when voters are asked if they agree or disagree with the candidates on the issues.

Forty-eight percent (48%) of Likely U.S. Voters personally agree with Romney, while 46% agree with the president, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey.

These figures include 38% who agree with the Republican challenger on most important issues and 10% who agree with him on just about everything. Obama’s total is made up of 32% who agree with him on most important issues and 14% who agree on nearly everything. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on May 26-27, 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.

46% See Obama-Romney Race as Choice of Lesser of Two Evils

Most voters see serious differences of opinion between President Obama and Mitt Romney, but Democrats are a lot more excited about their candidate than Republicans are about theirs.

Fifty-six percent (56%) of Likely U.S. Voters think the president and the likely Republican presidential nominee disagree on most important issues, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Another 25% say they disagree on just about everything. Only six percent (6%) believe the two candidates agree on most important issues, with two percent (2%) more who say they agree on just about everything. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on May 26-27, 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.

44% See Romney’s Business Past As Reason to Vote For Him, 33% Disagree

Democrats have begun criticizing Mitt Romney’s business record, but a plurality of voters view the Republican’s business past as a positive.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 44% of Likely U.S. Voters believe that Romney’s track record in business is primarily a reason to vote for him. Thirty-three percent (33%) see his business career as chiefly a reason to vote against him. Twenty-two percent (22%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

Nebraska: Romney 53%, Obama 39%

Mitt Romney still posts a double-digit lead over President Obama in Nebraska.

The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Likely Voters in the Cornhusker State shows Romney earning 53% support, while the president picks up 39% of the vote. Six percent (6%) like another candidate in the race, and three percent (3%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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This Nebraska survey of 500 Likely Voters was conducted May 16, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Fieldwork for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

51% Trust Romney’s Economic Judgment More Than Obama’s

Voters now trust likely Republican nominee Mitt Romney more than President Obama on all five issues regularly surveyed by Rasmussen Reports, especially when it comes to money.

A new national telephone survey finds that 51% of Likely U.S. Voters trust Romney more than Obama when it comes the economy, while 39% trust the president more. Ten percent (10%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

Three-Way Race: Romney 44%, Obama 39%, Ron Paul 13%

Texas Congressman Ron Paul appears more interested in influencing the direction of the Republican Party than in running as an independent presidential candidate. But perhaps Democrats should be careful what they wish for: Even if Mitt Romney’s remaining GOP challenger should run as a third party candidate, new Rasmussen Reports surveying finds Romney the winner of a three-way race.

The latest national telephone survey shows that 25% of Likely U.S. Voters think Paul should run as a third party candidate. Sixty-one percent (61%) disagree, but 13% more are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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