Elections

Race for New Hampshire Governor Is Wide Open

The race to be New Hampshire’s next governor has no clear favorite at this early stage.

A new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Likely New Hampshire Voters finds the top Republican hopefuls – attorney Ovide Lamontagne and former State Representative Kevin Smith – running neck-and-neck with former Democratic State Senator Jackie Cilley and only slightly ahead of another Democratic hopeful, ex-state Senator Maggie Hassan.

But 20% to 25% of voters in the state like some other candidate or are undecided in every case. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

This New Hampshire survey of 500 Likely Voters was conducted on June 20, 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.

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.

53% in Wisconsin Now Approve Of Governor Walker’s Job Performance

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker’s approval ratings are up slightly following his victory in the state’s June 5 special recall election. Fifty-three percent (53%) of Likely Voters in the Badger State now at least somewhat approve of the job Walker is doing as governor, according to a new Rasmussen Reports statewide telephone survey.  Forty-seven percent (47%) disapprove of his job performance.  Those figures include 45% who Strongly Approve and 39% who Strongly Disapprove.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 500 Likely Voters in Wisconsin was conducted on June 12, 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 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.

Nebraska Senate: Fischer (R) 56%, Kerrey (D) 38%

State Senator Deb Fischer holds an 18-point lead over Democrat Bob Kerrey in the first Rasmussen Reports survey of the Nebraska U.S. Senate race since her upset win in this week’s state Republican primary.

A new telephone survey of Likely Voters in Nebraska shows Fischer with 56% support to 38% for Kerrey who is trying to reclaim the Senate seat he retired from in 2001. Two percent (2%) prefer some other candidate in the race, and three percent (3%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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.

Wisconsin Recall Election: Walker 50%, Barrett 45%

Embattled Republican Governor Scott Walker holds a five-point lead over his newly nominated Democratic challenger Tom Barrett in Wisconsin’s special recall election.

A new Rasmussen Reports statewide telephone survey shows that 50% of the state’s Likely Voters prefer Walker while 45% choose Barrett. Two percent (2%) prefer some other candidate and another two percent (2%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 500 Likely Voters in Wisconsin was conducted on May 9, 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.

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.

40% Say Obama’s Views Extreme, 35% Say Same of Romney

It’s close to a 50-50 nation when voters are asked if the views of President Obama and his Republican challenger Mitt Romney are mainstream or extreme. Fifty percent (50%) of Likely U.S. Voters describe the president’s views as mainstream, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Fifty-one percent (51%) say the same of Romney’s views.

Forty percent (40%) think it’s more accurate to describe Obama’s views as extreme, while 35% describe Romney’s views that way. Ten percent (10%) and 14% respectively are undecided about the views of the president and his GOP opponent. (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 national survey of 1,000 U.S. Likely Voters was conducted on May 2-3, 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.

Core Four States: Obama 46%, Romney 43%

With the Republican primary race all but settled, President Obama still holds a slight lead over likely GOP nominee Mitt Romney in combined polling of the key swing states of Florida, North Carolina, Ohio and Virginia.

New Rasmussen Reports telephone surveying of Likely Voters in the so-called Core Four states finds that Obama picks up 46% support to Romney’s 43%. Seven percent (7%) prefer some other candidate, and four percent (4%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,271 Likely Voters in Florida, Ohio, North Carolina and Virginia was conducted on April 16-30, 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.

Core Four States: Obama 46%, Romney 43%

With the Republican primary race all but settled, President Obama still holds a slight lead over likely GOP nominee Mitt Romney in combined polling of the key swing states of Florida, North Carolina, Ohio and Virginia.

New Rasmussen Reports telephone surveying of Likely Voters in the so-called Core Four states finds that Obama picks up 46% support to Romney’s 43%. Seven percent (7%) prefer some other candidate, and four percent (4%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,271 Likely Voters in Florida, Ohio, North Carolina and Virginia was conducted on April 16-30, 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.

Florida Senate: Nelson (D) 47%, Mack (R) 36%

Incumbent Democrat Bill Nelson now posts double-digit leads over all three of his Republican challengers in Florida’s 2012 U.S. Senate race.

A new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Likely Florida Voters shows Nelson with 47% support to 36% for Congressman Connie Mack, his leading GOP opponent. Ten percent (10%) like some other candidate in the race, and seven percent (7%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Condi for Veep? 66% View Former Secretary of State Favorably

Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has said publicly she’s not interested in being Mitt Romney’s running mate, but a lot of her fellow Republicans like her just the same.

With speculation running wild over who Romney will choose to run with him for the vice presidency, Rasmussen Reports is testing the waters for a number of prominent Republicans around the country. The latest national telephone survey finds that 66% of Likely U.S. Voters share at least a somewhat favorable opinion of Rice, with 32% who view her Very Favorably. Just 24% have a somewhat or Very Unfavorable view of her. (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.

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on April 24-25, 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.