Politics

38% of Republicans Believe Tea Party Good for GOP in 2014, 32% Disagree

While the Republican establishment struggles to beat back Tea Party elements within the party, GOP voters tend to see the grass roots movement as more of a help than a hindrance in the upcoming elections. But it’s close.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 38% of Likely Republican Voters believe the Tea Party will help the Republican Party in election 2014. Thirty-two percent (32%) of GOP voters think the movement will hurt their party instead, while 10% say it will have no impact. Twenty percent (20%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on February 16-17, 2014 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% More Worried U.S. Troops Will Remain in Afghanistan Too Long

As officials from both countries continue to debate the plan for America’s occupation of Afghanistan after 2014, U.S. voters continue to express pessimism about the war and want troops withdrawn immediately. But belief that the country is a vital U.S. national security interest has risen following the release of Afghan prisoners last week against repeated U.S. objections.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 23% of Likely Voters think it is possible for the United States to win the war in Afghanistan. Fifty-three percent (53%) say victory is not possible, while 24% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on February 14-15, 2014 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. 

65% Think Felons Should be Able to Vote After Completing Jail Time

Voters in 11 states can permanently lose their right to vote if convicted of a felony. Among most other states, that right can be restored only after serving some combination of their jail time, parole and probation. But most voters believe someone convicted of a felony should regain the right to vote after serving their sentence problem-free.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 65% of Likely U.S. Voters think that if someone is convicted of a felony and serves their sentence without problem, their right to vote should be restored. Twenty-three percent (23%) disagree, but 11% are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The national survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on February 12-13, 2014 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.

57% Want Debt Ceiling Deal to Include Major Spending Cuts

Congress this week passed a “clean” bill to raise the federal debt ceiling without spending cuts attached. While voters agree that not raising the debt ceiling would be bad for the economy, they also wanted a deal that includes significant spending cuts.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 79% of Likely Voters think it’s at least somewhat likely that the debt ceiling will be raised before the government begins defaulting on its debts. Just 13% see this outcome as unlikely. These findings include 47% who say a deal to raise the debt ceiling is Very Likely to happen and just three percent (3%) who consider it Not At All Likely. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on February 10-11, 2014 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. 

71% Favor Immigrants Who Work Hard to Pursue American Dream

Most voters continuously oppose illegal immigration but admit that, when done legally, immigration is good for America. This explains why a majority have a favorable opinion of immigrants who come to this country to work hard, support their family and pursue the American Dream.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 71% of Likely U.S. Voters have a favorable opinion of immigrants who work hard to pursue the American Dream, down just slightly from 76% in May. Just 12% have an unfavorable opinion of such immigrants, but 17% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on February 10-11, 2014 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.

56% Support Right to Choose Your Own Social Security and Medicare Retirement Age

Most voters continue to believe Americans should be able to choose their own Social Security and Medicare retirement age and decide what they pay out of their paycheck for those benefits. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 56% of Likely U.S. Voters think that as long they are able to cover the cost of their decision, people should have the right to pick the age at which they will begin to receive federal Social Security and Medicare benefits. Those who want to retire earlier could pay more in Social Security taxes now. Those who would prefer lower taxes today could pay less in taxes and retire later. Twenty-six percent (26%) don’t think Americans should have that option, while 19% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here).

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on February 6-7, 2014 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.

68% Oppose Bonuses for IRS Employees

Voters are only slightly less convinced that the Internal Revenue Service broke the law when it targeted Tea Party and other conservative groups, and they strongly oppose bonuses being awarded to IRS employees for their work last year.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only 15% of Likely U.S. Voters favor IRS management’s decision to give millions of dollars in performance bonuses to its employees for 2013. Sixty-eight percent (68%) oppose awarding the bonuses to IRS employees. 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 February 8-9, 2014 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.

4% Are More Likely to Vote for a Celebrity Who Is Running for Office

Singer Clay Aiken, who got his start on the “American Idol” TV program, made headlines last week when he announced he is running for Congress in North Carolina, but very few consider a candidate’s celebrity a deciding factor to their vote. 

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds, in fact, that only four percent (4%) of Likely U.S. Voters say they would be more likely to vote for a prominent entertainer who runs for public office. Forty-two percent (42%) say they would be less likely to vote for an entertainer, while 52% say the candidate’s profession and prominence would have no influence on their vote. (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 February 6-7, 2014 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 Strongly Favor Military As Pathway to Citizenship

Voters continue to put tougher border control well ahead of creating a pathway to citizenship for most illegal immigrants, but they‘re all for citizenship for children brought here illegally who are succeeding in America. Most also see citizenship as an effective recruiting tool for the military.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 80% of Likely U.S. Voters believe a child who is brought here illegally but later earns a college degree or serves honorably in the military should be given a chance to obtain U.S. citizenship. Just 10% disagree, while 10% are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The two surveys of 1,000 Likely Voters each were conducted on January 31-February 1, 2014 and February 2-3, 2014 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% Still Favor Full Combat Role for Military Women

The U.S. Marine Corps postponed one of its fitness requirements for women scheduled to go into effect on January 1 because more than half of women could not complete a minimum of three pull-ups. But more than half of voters still believe women should be allowed to perform the same combat roles as men do.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 49% of Likely U.S. Voters believe the growing role of women in the armed services is good for the military. Only 17% think the growing role of women is bad for the military, while 28% say it has no impact. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The national survey of 1,000 Likely U.S. Voters was conducted on February 2-3, 2014 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.

49% See Death Penalty As Effective Way to Fight Terrorism

The U.S. Department of Justice announced last week that it will seek the death penalty for accused Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev. More voters than ever support that decision, but they're less confident that the death penalty is an effective tool against terrorism.

Sixty-three percent (63%) of Likely Voters think the Boston Marathon bombing suspect should receive the death penalty if convicted. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 25% do not think Tsarnaev should receive the death penalty if convicted. Twelve percent (12%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The national survey of 1,000 Likely U.S. Voters was conducted on February 4-5, 2014 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.

60% Think Obamacare Fixes Unlikely Within the Next Year

Voters continue to be pessimistic when asked if the new national health care law is likely to be fixed anytime soon, but they also remain evenly divided over the impact of the law on their vote in the upcoming elections.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 60% of Likely U.S. Voters believe most of the current problems with the health care law are unlikely to be fixed within the next year, with 35% who say it’s Not At All Likely. Thirty-eight percent (38%) disagree and think it is likely that the most of the problems will be fixed that soon, but that includes just 19% who say it’s Very Likely. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on February 2-3, 2014 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.

60% Think Federal Government Should Cut Spending to Help Economy

Half of U.S. Voters worry the federal government will not do enough to help the economy, but even more think cutting government spending is the way to go.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 50% of Likely U.S. Voters Voters are worried the government will not do enough in reacting to the nation's economic problems. Thirty-nine percent (39%) fear instead that the feds will do too much. (To see survey question wording, click here).

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on January 29-30, 2013 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. 

7% Say Feds Very Likely to Close Border If Immigration Plan Becomes Law

Republicans leaders in Congress are now pushing an immigration reform measure that paves a way to citizenship for those here illegally after the border is completely secured. Most voters still favor such a plan but remain highly skeptical that the federal government will actually close the border to stop future illegal immigration.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 57% of Likely U.S. Voters favor a comprehensive immigration reform plan that would give legal status to those who entered the country illegally but have otherwise obeyed the law – if the border is really secured to prevent future illegal immigration. Twenty-five percent (25%) oppose such a plan, while 19% are undecided about it. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on January 31-February 1, 2014 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.

Most Favor Minimum Wage Hike, Oppose More Jobless Benefits

Most voters disagree with President Obama’s assessment of the state of the union and oppose his plan to extend benefits for the long-term unemployed. But they continue to support raising the minimum wage.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 27% of Likely U.S. Voters agree with the president’s statement in his State of the Union speech Tuesday night that “after five years of grit and determined effort, the United States is better positioned for the 21st century than any other nation on Earth.” More than twice as many (58%) disagree with that analysis of the United States’ present condition. Fifteen percent (15%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on January 29-30, 2014 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.

Just 29% in Louisiana Think State Has Fully Recovered from Katrina

Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast over eight years ago, but just 29% of Louisiana voters think their state has fully recovered.

A new Rasmussen Reports statewide telephone survey finds that 50% of Likely Louisiana Voters believe the state has not yet fully recovered from the category 3 hurricane. However, one-in-five (21%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 500 Likely Voters in Louisiana was conducted on January 28-29, 2014 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. 

63% Say Government Contracts Go To Those With Most Political Connections

When it comes to government contracts, most voters still aren’t convinced that they go to the best person for the job. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 63% of Likely U.S. Voters believe most government contracts are awarded to the company with the most political connections rather than one that can provide the best service for the best price. Twenty-five percent (25%) disagree and believe most government contracts go to the company that can provide the best service for the best price. Twelve percent (12%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording,click here.)

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The surveys of 1,000 Likely Voters each were conducted on January 23-24, 2014 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.

69% Think It’s Better for Obama to Work With Congress Than Go Around It

President Obama made it clear in his State of the Union speech last night that he is prepared to take independent executive action if he can’t get Congress to work with him on some major issues, but voters strongly believe it’s better for the president to work with Congress than to go it alone. However, most also think it’s more important for Republicans in Congress to work with the president than to stand for what they believe.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey, taken the night before and the night of the president’s speech, finds that 69% of Likely U.S. Voters think it it better for the president to work with Congress on things he considers important. Just 27% believe it is better for the president to go around Congress if necessary to accomplish what he feels is important. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on January 27-28, 2014 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.

62% See State of the Union Speech As Just for Show

A sizable majority of voters plan to watch or follow news reports about President Obama’s State of the Union speech tonight, but more voters than ever view the annual speech as just for show rather than setting an actual agenda.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 72% of Likely U.S. Voters are likely to watch or follow news reports about tonight’s State of the Union Speech. That’s virtually identical to last year’s findings  but down from the 79% who followed the speech in January 2011. Twenty-six percent (26%) are unlikely to watch or follow reports about the speech. This includes 45% who are Very Likely to watch or follow the speech and 10% who say it’s Not At All Likely. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on January 25-26, 2014 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% Say Less Government, Not More, Would Help Close Income Gap

President Obama is expected to map out his agenda for reducing income inequality in his State of the Union speech tomorrow night. Most voters agree that income inequality is a serious problem in America today but don’t think government action is the best solution.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 69% of Likely U.S. Voters consider income inequality at least a somewhat serious problem in the United States today. That includes 45% who consider it a Very Serious problem. Twenty-eight percent (28%) don’t think income inequality is a serious problem, with 10% who say it’s Not At All Serious. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The surveys of 1,000 Likely Voters each were conducted on January 23-24, 2014 and January 11-12, 2014 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.