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October 15, 2012

Virginia Senate: Kaine (D) 48%, Allen (R) 47%

The race to become the next U.S. senator from Virginia is about as close as it can be.The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Likely Virginia Voters shows Democrat Tim Kaine with 48% of the vote and Republican George Allen with 47%. One percent (1%) prefers some other candidate, while four percent (4%) remain undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Both men are former governors. Allen is hoping to reclaim the seat he lost six years ago to Democrat Jim Webb who is not seeking reelection.

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The survey of 750 Likely Voters in Virginia was conducted on October 11, 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.

October 15, 2012

51% Think Ambassador’s Murder Will Hurt Obama At the Polls

Voters are now more critical of how the Obama administration has handled the situation in Libya, including the murder of the U.S. ambassador there, and most think it will hurt President Obama’s chances for reelection. However, they are slightly more confident in the president than Mitt Romney to handle events in the Middle East.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 35% of Likely U.S. Voters now rate the way the administration has responded to the situation in Libya as good or excellent. That’s down nine points from 44% in mid-September just after the murder of Ambassador Christopher Stevens. Forty percent (40%) view the administration’s Libya response as poor, up from 34% a month ago. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters nationwide was conducted on October 13-14, 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.

White letter R on blue background
October 15, 2012

Biden and Obama Run a Campaign Fit for the 1980s By Michael Barone

When a politician is in trouble, he usually falls back on what he knows best -- the world he saw around him when he entered into political awareness as a young adult.

October 15, 2012

52% Favor Repeal of Health Care Law; 71% of GOP Voters Think It’s Likely

Most voters still want to repeal President Obama’s national health care law, with Republicans strongly confident that repeal is on the way. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 52% of Likely U.S. Voters favor repeal of the law, while 42% are opposed. This includes 43% who Strongly Favor repeal and 33% who are Strongly Opposed to it. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on October 13-14, 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.

October 15, 2012

Florida Senate: Nelson (D) 46%, Mack (R) 45%

After several months in which Democratic incumbent Bill Nelson appeared to have a comfortable lead over Republican Connie Mack in Florida’s U.S. Senate race, the race is now virtually even.

A new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Likely Voters in the Sunshine State finds Nelson earning 46% of the vote, while Mack picks up support from 45%.  Five percent (5%) prefer some other candidate, and another five percent (5%) are undecided.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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(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 750 Likely Voters in Florida was conducted on October 11, 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.

October 14, 2012

Ford Remains Far More Popular Than GM, Chrysler

More Americans than ever have a favorable opinion of Ford, the one Big Three automaker that didn’t take federal bailout money.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 78% of American Adults have at least a somewhat favorable impression of Ford. That’s up slightly from 76% in February, the previous high, but consistent with findings since the 2008-2009 auto bailouts.  Thirteen percent (13%) have an unfavorable opinion of Ford.  The new findings include 44% with a Very Favorable impression of the Detroit-based manufacturer and just five percent (5%) with a Very Unfavorable one.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on October 4-5, 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.

October 14, 2012

61% Say Colleges Should Ban Hazing

Most Americans think colleges should ban fraternity and sorority hazing rituals but don’t believe in banning these organizations all together.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 61% of American Adults say college fraternities and sororities should be prohibited from hazing potential new members as part of their initiation.  Twenty-five percent (25%) disagree, while 14% more are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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This survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on October 8-9, 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.

October 14, 2012

New Hampshire Governor: Hassan (D) 48%, Lamontagne (R) 46%

Democrat Maggie Hassan now edges Republican Ovide Lamontagne in New Hampshire’s gubernatorial race. The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Likely Voters in the Granite State finds Hassan earning 48% of the vote, while Lamontagne receives 46% support.  Six percent (6%) are still undecided.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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This New Hampshire survey of 500 Likely Voters was conducted on October 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.

October 13, 2012

Only 23% Say U.S. Spends Too Much on National Security

The level of defense spending has become a hot campaign issue with Republicans opposing scheduled upcoming military budget cuts. Just 23% of voters now say the United States spends too much on national security, the lowest finding over the past year of regular tracking.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 43% of Likely U.S. Voters say the country spends about the right amount on national security, while 27% say it does not spend enough. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The national survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on October 7-8, 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.

October 13, 2012

What They Told Us: Reviewing Last Week’s Key Polls - Week Ending October 13, 2012

The math is pretty simple: The Big Three are Florida, Ohio and Virginia. It is virtually impossible for Mitt Romney to win the White House without winning at least two of the three, and right now he’s ahead by two in Virginia and has widened his lead in Florida to four. 

If Romney wins all three states, he is likely to win the election. President Obama can keep his job if he wins two out of the three, and the president is still holding on in Ohio where he leads by one. 

Yet while many pundits have suggested that the president’s reelection campaign is in free fall since his subpar debate performance, Scott Rasmussen argues in his latest weekly syndicated column that it’s not quite that simple. “The reality is that a very close race shifted every so slightly from narrowly favoring President Obama to narrowly favoring Mitt Romney."

October 13, 2012

53% Are Confident in Stability of Banking System

Americans’ confidence in the stability of the U.S. banking system is at its highest level in over three years.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of American Adults shows that 53% are at least somewhat confident in the stability of the U.S. banking industry, while 42% lack that confidence. Still, these findings include just eight percent (8%) who are Very Confident in the system and 11% who are Not At All Confident. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

 

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on October 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.

October 12, 2012

Dickey, Verlander Are Cy Young Favorites, Cabrera Top MVP Pick

A third of baseball fans nationwide think New York Mets knuckleball pitcher R.A. Dickey and Detroit Tigers hurler Justin Verlander should win the Cy Young awards in the National and American leagues respectively. While Triple Crown winner Miguel Cabrera is the heavy favorite to win the AL Most Valuable Player award, the NL MVP race is a bit closer. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 445 Baseball Fans was conducted on October 4, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 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.

October 12, 2012

Ohio Senate: Brown (D) 47%, Mandel (R) 46%

Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown and his Republican challenger Josh Mandel remain locked in a tight contest in Ohio.

The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Likely Ohio Voters finds Brown with 47% support to Mandel’s 46%. Two percent (2%) like another candidate, and four percent (4%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

A week ago, the race was a 46% to 46% tie. Ohio remains a Toss-Up in the Rasmussen Reports Senate Balance of Power rankings. Brown was first elected to the Senate in 2006 by a 56% to 44% margin.

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The survey of 500 Likely Voters in Ohio was conducted on October 10, 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.

October 12, 2012

Michigan: Obama 52%, Romney 45%

President Obama continues to earn over 50% of the vote in Michigan, but his lead over Mitt Romney has narrowed a bit this month.

The latest Ramussen Reports national telephone survey finds 52% of Likely Voters in Michigan support the president, while 45% give their vote to Romney. One percent (1%) prefers some other candidate, and another one percent (1%) is undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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(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 500 Likely Voters in Michigan was conducted on October 11, 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.

October 12, 2012

Virginia: Romney 49%, Obama 47%

Mitt Romney now has a two-point lead in Virginia.

The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Likely Virginia Voters shows Romney with 49% of the vote, while President Obama earns 47% support. One percent (1%) likes another candidate in the race, and three percent (3%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 750 Likely Voters in Virginia was conducted on October 11, 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.

October 12, 2012

Florida: Romney 51%, Obama 47%

Mitt Romney has crossed the 50% mark for the first time to widen his lead to four points in Florida.

The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Likely Florida Voters finds Romney with 51% support to President Obama’s 47%. Two percent (2%) remain undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

How did you do in this week’s Rasmussen Challenge? Check the leaderboard.

(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 750 Likely Voters in Florida was conducted on October 11, 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.

White letter R on blue background
October 12, 2012

Leave the Driving to It By Froma Harrop

Driverless cars are on the horizon, and we can all start feeling ancient now. The youngest among us will remember the days when we had to keep our hands on the steering wheel and foot near the brake. Joining "icebox" and "fire stable" will be such terms as "behind the wheel," "pedal to the metal" and "in the driver's seat."    

October 12, 2012

Wisconsin Senate: Baldwin (D) 51%, Thompson (R) 47%

Democratic Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin has reached the 50% mark of support against former Republican Governor Tommy Thompson in Wisconsin’s U.S. Senate race.

A new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Likely Wisconsin Voters shows Baldwin with 51% of the vote to Thompson’s 47%. One percent (1%) prefers some other candidate, and two percent (2%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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This Wisconsin survey of 500 Likely Voters was conducted on October 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.

October 12, 2012

Polls Reflect Voter Reality, Not Pundits' Preoccupations By Scott Rasmussen

According to Political Class pundits, the race for the White House was turned upside down by a single debate. The reality, however, is that a very close race shifted ever so slightly from narrowly favoring President Obama to narrowly favoring Mitt Romney. Either way, it remains too close to call.

October 11, 2012

New Mexico Senate: Heinrich (D) 52%, Wilson (R) 39%

Democrat Martin Heinrich maintains his double-digit lead over his Republican challenger, Heather Wilson, in New Mexico’s U.S. Senate race.

The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Likely Voters in the state finds Heinrich with 52% support to Wilson’s 39%.  Four percent (4%) prefer some other candidate in the race, while another five percent (5%) are undecided.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

How are you doing in the Rasmussen Challenge? Check the leaderboard.

(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 New Mexico survey of 500 Likely Voters was conducted on October 8, 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