MABUS HAS EARLY LEAD OVER POSSIBLE CHALLENGERS

Governor Ray Mabus has an early lead in his re-election bid, according to a statewide poll conducted by the Social Science Research Center at Mississippi State University. Mabus has a lead over three strong potential challengers who have been mentioned by political commentators as possible gubernatorial candidates next year. At this point, none of the three have publicly declared an intention to challenge Mabus' re-election, however. They are: former Governor Bill Allain, former gubernatorial candidate Jack Reed, and state auditor Pete Johnson. The statewide telephone survey was conducted March 26 to April 3, 1990 among 432 likely voters.

Republican Jack Reed, who with 47% of the vote ran a strong race against Democrat Mabus in the 1987 gubernatorial general election, remains the strongest potential challenger. Mabus is favored by 54.7% of likely voters, while Reed is supported by 37.6% and 7.7% are undecided. In other pairings, Mabus' support increases to 61.9% if his challenger is Republican Pete Johnson, while Johnson is favored by 25.9%, and 12.2% of voters are undecided. Among the 303 self-proclaimed Democrats and Independents surveyed, groups most likely to vote in the Democratic primary, Mabus also has a significant lead over Democrat Allain. Mabus is favored by 64.1% to Allain's 25.8%, with 10.1% of voters undecided. Mabus' lead drops slightly if one assumes that the absence of a hotly contested Republican primary leads all Republicans to vote in the Democratic primary. In this case, Mabus is favored by 60.0% to 27.8% for Allain with 12.2% of voters undecided.

"Mabus' lead over a prominent former governor such as Bill Allain is impressive, but it is a year before the election and a lot could change if Allain did decide to challenge Mabus' renomination," commented survey director and Associate Professor of Political Science Stephen D. Shaffer. "In view of Mabus' reform-oriented programs, its understandable that he receives strong support from higher socioeconomic status groups," said Shaffer. "Seventy-three percent of Democrats and Independents with family incomes over $30,000 and 71% of those with at least some college education prefer Mabus to Allain," Shaffer continued. "Allain is stronger among older voters and those who call themselves conservatives," said Shaffer. "Thirty-six percent of the 61 to 98 age group and 29% of self-proclaimed conservatives prefer Allain, though Mabus is nevertheless supported by a majority of these two groups," Shaffer continued. "It is interesting that while some political figures have charged that Mabus isn't sensitive enough to the concerns of blacks, Mabus is supported by 72% of blacks while Allain is favored by 15% (13% are undecided)," commented Shaffer.

"A race between Mabus and Reed could turn out to be quite close," observed Shaffer. "Both candidates at this point are splitting the white vote equally with 47% each and 6% undecided," said Shaffer. "The strong Democratic tendencies of blacks helps make the difference in a general election," Shaffer said. "Seventy-two percent of blacks favor Mabus, while 16% support Reed and 12% are undecided," reported Shaffer. "Mabus is also strong among liberals and Democrats, being favored by 83% and 70%, respectively," said Shaffer. "The two groups that already give Reed a majority of support are Republicans and self-proclaimed conservatives, where 56% and 53%, respectively, favor him," reported Shaffer.

"Mabus' significant lead over Pete Johnson may largely reflect voters' greater familiarity with the governor," observed Shaffer. "Governors tend to get much more publicity than other state officials, since they are the chief executives of the state and the press focuses on their legislative program," said Shaffer. "And needless to say, it's a year before the next gubernatorial election, and a lot could change in the next year if one of these three political figures decided to run for governor and actively challenge Governor Mabus," concluded Shaffer.

This statewide telephone survey of 432 likely Mississippi voters was conducted March 26-April 3, 1990 by the Social Science Research Center at Mississippi State University. The results were adjusted by income, race, and gender so that all demographic groups would be represented in the sample in rough proportion to their presence in the population, thereby helping to correct for the problem that some voting groups are less likely to own telephones. A sample size of 432 yields a sample error of plus or minus 5%, which means that if the entire population of likely voters had been interviewed, the results could differ from those reported here by as much as 5%. The error rate for the smaller subsample of Democrats and Independents is 6%.

THE MABUS-REED MATCHUP

Question Wording: If the general election for governor were held today, and the candidates were Democrat Ray Mabus and Republican Jack Reed, whom would you vote for? Mabus or Reed?

Mabus = 54.7%

Reed = 37.6%

Undecided = 7.7%

This poll of 432 likely voters was conducted March 26-April 3, 1990 by the Survey Research Unit of the Social Science Research Center at Mississippi State University. The results were weighted or adjusted by demographic characteristics such as income, race, and gender, so that all demographic groups would be represented in the sample in proportion to their presence in the population; this procedure helps to correct for the problem that not all groups are equally likely to own telephones. A sample size of 432 yields a sample error of plus or minus 5%, which means that if the entire population of likely voters had been interviewed, the results could differ from the above by as much as 5%.

THE MABUS-JOHNSON MATCHUP

Question Wording: If the general election for governor were held today, and the candidates were Democrat Ray Mabus and Republican Pete Johnson, whom would you vote for? Mabus or Johnson?

Mabus = 61.9%

Johnson = 25.9%

Undecided = 12.2%

THE ALLAIN-MABUS MATCHUP

Question Wording: If the Democratic primary for governor were held today, and the candidates were Bill Allain and Ray Mabus, whom would you vote for? Allain or Mabus?

AMONG 303 DEMOCRATS AND INDEPENDENTS, ONLY:

Allain = 25.8%

Mabus = 64.1%

Undecided = 10.1%

AMONG 432 DEMOCRATS, INDEPENDENTS, AND REPUBLICANS:

Allain = 27.8%

Mabus = 60.0%

Undecided = 12.2%

This poll of likely voters was conducted March 26-April 3, 1990 by the Survey Research Unit of the Social Science Research Center at Mississippi State University. The results were weighted or adjusted by demographic characteristics such as income, race, and gender, so that all demographic groups would be represented in the sample in proportion to their presence in the population; this procedure helps to correct for the problem that not all groups are equally likely to own telephones. A sample size of 303 yields a sample error of plus or minus 6%, which means that if the entire population of likely voters had been interviewed, the results could differ from the above by as much as 6%.

PUBLIC SUPPORTS TAX INCREASE FOR EDUCATION

Mississippians favor significantly improving the public education system, even if it requires a tax increase, according to a recent statewide public opinion poll conducted by Mississippi State University. By a wide margin Mississippi residents favored raising the state income tax or establishing a lottery. A smaller majority of residents favored raising the state sales tax. These results were found in a statewide telephone survey conducted by the Social Science Research Center at Mississippi State University from March 26 to April 3, 1990 among 601 Mississippi residents. The results were adjusted by demographic characteristics to ensure that all social groups were adequately represented in the survey. With 601 people surveyed, the sample error is plus or minus 4%, which means that if every Mississippi resident had been interviewed, the results could differ from those reported here by as much as 4%. When asked whether residents favored or opposed "significantly improving the system of public education in Mississippi, even if taxes will have to be raised to pay for these education improvements," a lopsided 80.4% were in favor with only 13.7% opposed and 5.9% undecided. The two most popular methods of funding "significant" education improvements were raising the state income tax from 5% to 6% for all taxable income above $15,000 per year, and establishing a state lottery. The income tax increase was favored by 69.0% of residents with 22.4% opposed and 8.6% undecided. The lottery was favored by 65.8% of residents with 27.5% opposed and 6.7% undecided. A more modest majority of 55.2% of citizens favored raising the state sales tax from 6 cents on the dollar to 7 cents, with 40.1% opposing it and 4.7% undecided.

"The average Mississippian is strongly in favor of significant improvements in the system of public education in the state," concluded Associate Professor of Political Science and Survey Director, Stephen D. Shaffer. "They're willing to even raise taxes, as long as it is earmarked for education," added Shaffer. "We didn't ask about any specific proposal, such as Governor Mabus' BEST program, since many average citizens lack information about specific legislative proposals," said Shaffer. "There seems to be a widespread belief among state education and political leaders that the BEST program would constitute a significant improvement in public education in Mississippi, suggesting strong public support for that program as well," added Shaffer. The BEST program recently passed the legislature, though a special session of the legislature must decide how to fund it. "Our poll suggests that the public is willing to give legislators and the governor a lot of leeway in how to fund the BEST program," said Shaffer.

"I was somewhat surprised at the widespread public support for raising the state income tax," continued Shaffer. "Just as many Mississippians favored raising the state's income tax to help education as favored establishing a state lottery," said Shaffer. "The key issue in the state is improving education, and Mississippians are willing to pay higher taxes if they know that it is going to a worthy cause such as education," concluded Shaffer. "Support for raising the income tax was so widespread that even those most likely to have to pay higher taxes, those with family incomes exceeding $30,000 a year, favored it," said Shaffer. "Seventy-four percent of those making over $30,000 favored an income tax increase for education with only 24% opposed and 2% undecided," illustrated Shaffer. "Majorities of all social groups supported an income tax increase, as shown by 67% of Republicans and 72% of Democrats favoring it," continued Shaffer. "The least support for an income tax increase was registered by those over 60 years old, but even there 58% supported the increase while only 25% opposed it and 17% were undecided," concluded Shaffer.

"The lottery is also a popular funding mechanism for education improvements," continued Shaffer. "Majorities of all social groups favor it as well," Shaffer said. "The lottery as a way of funding significant education improvements is favored by 70% of Democrats and 61% of Republicans, by 63% of whites and 71% of blacks, by 67% of men and 65% of women," reported Shaffer. "More modest support for the lottery is evident among those over 60, conservatives, and residents of the 1st congressional district, where 53%, 56%, and 59%, respectively, favor the lottery," said Shaffer.

"The public supported a sales tax increase for education, but the level of support was not as high as for the income tax and lottery," said Shaffer. "For example, a bare majority of 56% of Democrats and 53% of Republicans supported a sales tax increase," said Shaffer. "Yet this modest majority of support for raising the sales tax for education existed in all demographic groups except the 4th congressional district," continued Shaffer. "In the 4th district, 49% favored it and 47% opposed it with 4% undecided," said Shaffer.

RAISING TAXES FOR EDUCATION

Question Wording: Do you favor or oppose significantly improving the system of public education in Mississippi, even if taxes will have to be raised to pay for these education improvements?

Favor Improving Education and Raising Taxes = 80.4%

Oppose Education Improvements and Tax Increase = 13.7%

Undecided or Don't Know = 5.9%

This poll of 601 adult Mississippi residents was conducted March 26-April 3, 1990 by the Survey Research Unit of the Social Science Research Center at Mississippi State University. The results were weighted or adjusted by demographic characteristics such as income, race, and gender, so that all demographic groups would be represented in the sample in proportion to their presence in the population; this procedure helps to correct for the problem that not all groups are equally likely to own telephones. A sample size of 601 yields a sample error of plus or minus 4%, which means that if the entire population had been interviewed, the results could differ from the above by as much as 4%.

INCOME TAX INCREASE FOR EDUCATION

Question Wording: Do you favor or oppose the following ways to pay for significant improvements in the public education system?

Raising the state income tax from five percent to six percent for all taxable income above $15,000 per year?

Favor Raising State Income Tax = 69.0%

Oppose Raising State Income Tax = 22.4%

Undecided or Don't Know = 8.6%

SALES TAX INCREASE FOR EDUCATION

Question Wording: Do you favor or oppose the following ways to pay for significant improvements in the public education system?

Raising the state sales tax from 6 cents on the dollar to 7 cents?

Favor Raising State Sales Tax = 55.2%

Oppose Raising State Sales Tax = 40.1%

Undecided or Don't Know = 4.7%

A LOTTERY FOR EDUCATION

Question Wording: Do you favor or oppose the following ways to pay for significant improvements in the public education system?

Establishing a state lottery?

Favor a Lottery for Education = 65.8%

Oppose a Lottery for Education = 27.5%

Undecided or Don't Know = 6.7%

MISSISSIPPIANS FAVOR LOTTERY, SEAT BELT FINE, DIVIDED ON MAIL REGISTRATION

Mississippians favor establishing a lottery and a fine for those not using their seat belts, but are divided on whether people should be permitted to register to vote by mail, according to a recent statewide poll conducted by Mississippi State University. The telephone survey conducted by the Social Science Research Center interviewed 601 adult Mississippi residents from March 26 to April 3, 1990. The results were adjusted by demographic characteristics to ensure that all social groups were adequately represented in the survey. With 601 people surveyed, the sample error is plus or minus 4%, which means that if every Mississippi resident had been interviewed, the results could differ from those reported here by as much as 4%.

"We decided to pin people down on a lottery, and just ask them whether they would favor or oppose having it in Mississippi," commented Stephen D. Shaffer, Associate Professor of Political Science at Mississippi State University. "Previous polls have shown that people support a lottery if the money generated by it is devoted to a good cause, such as education," added Shaffer. "It might also be very easy for people to agree that the public should have a right to vote on a constitutional amendment permitting a lottery, since even some opponents of a lottery might feel that the public should decide, but they would plan to vote against it," continued Shaffer. "But even when we just ask people whether they favor or oppose a lottery in and of itself, we find that a significant majority favor it," said Shaffer. The lottery was supported by 59.7% of Mississippians polled, while 30.2% opposed it and 10.1% were undecided. A measure permitting a public referendum on a lottery died this legislative session. Majorities of all demographic groups supported the lottery except for self-identified conservatives, those over age 60, and residents of the 1st congressional district. Among these three groups, mere pluralities of 49%, 43%, and 49% favored the lottery, respectively. Mississippi residents also favor fining people in the front seat of a car who are not wearing a seat belt. A seat belt fine was supported by 56.8% of Mississippians polled, while 35.7% opposed it and 7.5% were undecided. Majorities of all demographic groups supported a fine for those not wearing a seat belt. "For example, those supporting a seat belt fine included 56% of Democrats, 64% of Republicans, 60% of liberals, 59% of conservatives, 55% of whites, and 59% of blacks," reported Shaffer. "A 1986 MSU poll that just asked about a seat belt law without mentioning a fine was favored by an even greater number of Mississippians, so it is understandable that the legislature has just taken the first step of passing a seat belt law without a fine," commented Shaffer. "Once people become used to the new law, support for a fine may increase even more, and lead to the legislature strengthening the law," Shaffer concluded.

Mississippians are more divided on the issue of whether state government should make it easier for people to register to vote by permitting registration by mail. A bare majority of 50.2% support mail registration with 44.3% opposed and 5.5% undecided. "On this issue, public sentiment is so divided that it is too close to call," said Shaffer. "Apparently, while some residents feel that registration by mail would help those who have legitimate difficulties with physically going to register to vote, such as some of the disabled, the elderly, and full-time workers with rigid work schedules, other Mississippians fear possible vote fraud or feel that some people are just too lazy to get out to register," commented Shaffer. "The most evident differences were partisan and ideological," added Shaffer. "While 58% of liberals and 56% of Democrats favored mail registration, 52% of conservatives and 56% of Republicans opposed it," reported Shaffer. A measure providing for registration by mail, favored by the Secretary of State's office, died in the recently-concluded legislative session.

A STATE LOTTERY

Question Wording: Do you favor or oppose establishing a state lottery in Mississippi?

Favor establishing a lottery = 59.7%

Oppose establishing a lottery = 30.2%

Undecided or Don't Know = 10.1%

A SEAT BELT FINE

Question Wording: Do you favor or oppose a state law requiring a fine if people in the front seat of a car are not wearing a seat belt?

Favor a seat belt fine = 56.8%

Oppose seat belt fine = 35.7%

Undecided or Don't Know = 7.5%

VOTER REGISTRATION BY MAIL

Question Wording: Do you favor or oppose permitting Mississippi residents to register to vote by mail?

Favor mail registration = 50.2%

Oppose mail registration = 44.3%

Undecided or Don't Know = 5.5%

REPUBLICANS POPULAR IN MISSISSIPPI, POLL SHOWS

Most Mississippians rate the job performance of President Bush and both of the state's Republican United States Senators highly, according to a poll conducted by Mississippi State University. President Bush was the most popular of the three Republican officials with 60% of Mississippians rating his job performance very favorably as excellent or good. Senators Lott and Cochran were also popular with over half of Mississippians rating their performance very favorably. Furthermore, the Republican party has gained in popularity among average citizens, rivaling the dominant Democratic party among the most die-hard voters in the state. These results are based on a statewide telephone survey conducted by the Social Science Research Center at Mississippi State University from March 26 to April 3, 1990 among 601 Mississippi residents. The results were adjusted by demographic characteristics to ensure that all social groups were adequately represented in the survey. With 601 people surveyed, the sample error is plus or minus 4%, which means that if every Mississippi resident had been interviewed, the results could differ from those reported here by as much as 4%.

"President Bush is very popular among Mississippians," said Associate Professor of Political Science and Survey Director, Stephen D. Shaffer. "His performance is rated excellent by 19.8%, good by 40.4%, fair by 29.6%, and poor by only 7.7% with 2.5% having no opinions," said Shaffer. "Senators Trent Lott and Thad Cochran are also popular," Shaffer added. "Lott's performance so far is rated excellent by 16.1%, good by 36.8%, fair by 27.1%, and poor by only 5.2% with 14.8% having no opinions at this early stage of his senate career," said Shaffer. "Cochran's job rating is very similar to Lott's, as his performance is rated excellent by 11.6%, good by 39.8%, fair by 30.2%, and poor by only 4.1% with 14.3% having no opinions," concluded Shaffer.

"Bush's popularity is evident across numerous social groups," commented Shaffer. "Even 64% of self-proclaimed liberals and 48% of Democrats having opinions rate his performance highly as excellent or good," said Shaffer. "Some partisanship is evident in Bush's ratings, however, as he is rated most highly by Republicans and conservatives, where 79% and 76%, respectively, rate him excellent or good," added Shaffer. "Bush is less popular among blacks, where only 37% offering opinions rate his performance as excellent or good, but he is nevertheless more popular than former President Reagan was among blacks," said Shaffer.

"The same pattern of widespread popularity is also evident for the state's two Republican Senators," added Shaffer. "Though Cochran and Lott are most popular among conservatives and Republicans, where over 70% rate their performance highly as excellent or good, they also receive high scores among liberals and Democrats," said Shaffer. "Lott, for example, was rated as excellent or good by 65% of liberals and 55% of Democrats," reported Shaffer. "Cochran was rated excellent or good by 59% of liberals and 51% of Democrats," added Shaffer. "Both Republicans were weakest among blacks, yet they were nevertheless more popular among blacks than was President Bush," said Shaffer. "Lott was rated excellent or good by 45% of blacks, and Cochran was rated equally favorably by 41% of blacks.

"The Republican party has also been making gains among average citizens," said Shaffer. "Among average Mississippians, 26.7% now think of themselves as Republicans, 45.2% call themselves Democrats, 19.0% are Independent, and 9.1% gave other responses," reported Shaffer. "In our 1981 statewide survey, only 19.7% of Mississippians called themselves Republicans," added Shaffer. "Especially important is that Republicans are more likely to vote than Democrats, since Republicans often have higher incomes and more education than many Democrats," said Shaffer. "For example, among families with incomes below $10,000 a year, 60% are Democrats and only 15% are Republicans," reported Shaffer, "but among families with incomes over $30,000 a year, 42% are Republicans and 28% of Democrats." "There are also clear racial differences between the parties," added Shaffer. "Whites are very divided, as 37% are Republicans, 32% are Democrats, and 31% are Independents," said Shaffer. "Blacks are fairly heavily Democratic, with 74% being Democratic, 20% Independent, and only 6% Republican," added Shaffer. "Since Republicans are more likely to vote than Democrats, the Democratic advantage among hard-core voters is much more narrow than among all adult Mississippians," said Shaffer. "In very low turnout elections, the partisan composition of the electorate may even reach only 36% Democratic, 32% Republican, and 23% Independent, with 9% of the voting electorate thinking of themselves in different terms," added Shaffer. "Two-party politics is here to stay in Mississippi," concluded Shaffer.

PRESIDENT BUSH'S JOB RATING

Question Wording: I'm going to ask you to rate the job performance of a few political figures and institutions. Rate each of them as excellent, good, fair, or poor. President Bush...

Excellent = 19.8%

Good = 40.4%

Fair = 29.6%

Poor = 7.7%

Don't Know = 2.5%

SENATOR LOTT'S JOB RATING

Question Wording: I'm going to ask you to rate the job performance of a few political figures and institutions. Rate each of them as excellent, good, fair, or poor. Senator Lott...

Excellent = 16.1%

Good = 36.8%

Fair = 27.1%

Poor = 5.2%

Don't Know = 14.8%

SENATOR COCHRAN'S JOB RATING

Question Wording: I'm going to ask you to rate the job performance of a few political figures and institutions. Rate each of them as excellent, good, fair, or poor. Senator Cochran...

Excellent = 11.6%

Good = 39.8%

Fair = 30.2%

Poor = 4.1%

Don't Know = 14.3%

PARTY IDENTIFICATION OF MISSISSIPPIANS

Question Wording: Generally speaking, do you consider yourself a Democrat, Republican, Independent, or what?

Democrat = 45.2%

Independent = 19.0%

Republican = 26.7%

Other = 5.9%

Don't Know = 3.2%

However, the partisan gap narrows when only likely voters in important contests are examined. Among the 55% of the sample that is most likely to vote in highly visible, important contests, such as for President, the partisan distribution is:

Democrats = 42%

Independents = 20%

Republicans = 30%

Others/DK = 8%

The partisan gap narrows even more when focusing on a smaller core of people most likely to vote, even in less important contests. Among the 35% of our sample that is most likely to vote, even in less visible and less important contests, such as in non-presidential election years, the partisan distribution is:

Democrats = 36%

Independents = 23%

Republicans = 32%

Others/DK = 9%

PUBLIC SUPPORTS IMPROVED SERVICES

An increasing number of Mississippians support increased funding for state programs, according to a poll conducted by Mississippi State University. When cautioned that "most of the money government spends comes from the taxes you and others pay," and asked whether "state and local government in Mississippi should be spending more, less, or about the same as now" on various programs, residents were very supportive of increased funding. The highest priority was public elementary and secondary education, on which 81% of residents favored increased funding. Other high priorities on which increased funding was favored included: health care favored by 72%; highways, 70%; police forces, 65%; public colleges and universities, 64%; industrial development, 63%; poverty programs, 62%; and day care programs, 60%. Programs that were not as politically popular as these included prison facilities favored by 50%, environmental programs by 51%, and encouraging tourism by 54%.

These results were found in a statewide telephone survey conducted by the Social Science Research Center at Mississippi State University from March 26 to April 3, 1990 among 601 Mississippi residents. The results were adjusted by demographic characteristics to ensure that all social groups were adequately represented in the survey. With 601 people surveyed, the sample error is plus or minus 4%, which means that if every Mississippi resident had been interviewed, the results could differ from those reported here by as much as 4%.

"Especially interesting is that the public sees all levels of education as being linked together," commented Associate Professor of Political Science and Survey Director Stephen D. Shaffer. "Those who support increased funding for elementary and secondary education also tend to support increased funding for higher education," continued Shaffer. "Sixty-three percent of Mississippians having opinions support increased funding for all levels of education--elementary, secondary, and higher education." "Majorities of all social groups favor increased funding of all levels of public education. For example, 61% of high school dropouts as well as 64% of the college educated support increased education funding. Sixty-eight percent of those making less than $10,000 per year as well as 57% of the over $30,000 support increased funding of all levels of education. Support ranges from a low of 57% in the 4th congressional district to a high of 67% in the 1st congressional district."

"The public also sees other programs as being linked together, such as poverty, health care, and day care programs," added Shaffer. "However, they do not have the widespread political popularity as education programs, since they do divide different social groups," said Shaffer. "While 72% of the under $10,000 income group and 73% of high school dropouts support increased poverty and health care funding, only 34% of the over $30,000 income group and 41% of the college educated support increased funds. Support for increased poverty and health care funding ranges from a high of 63% in the 1st and 2nd congressional districts to a low of 46% in the 4th congressional district," added Shaffer. "Among all Mississippians having opinions, 57% support increased funding for both poverty and health care programs," Shaffer said.

"While elementary and secondary education is the top priority of Mississippians, it is not the only priority," concluded Shaffer. "Mississippians have rejected the notion that the best state government is one that governs least, and instead favor a government that strives to improve the quality of their lives," commented Shaffer. "Indeed, among the ten programs that we asked about in a 1981 statewide poll and the current poll, public support for increased funding is higher on nine of the ten today compared to nine years ago."

SUPPORT FOR PUBLIC PROGRAMS

Question Wording: As you know, most of the money government spends comes from the taxes you and others pay. For each of the following, please tell me whether you think state and local government in Mississippi should be spending more, less, or about the same as now.

MORE LESS SAME DON'T

KNOW

Public Grade Schools and

High Schools = 81.1 2.7 12.7 3.5

Health Care/Hospitals = 71.5 3.7 21.5 3.3

Streets and Highways = 69.7 4.1 23.9 2.3

Police Forces = 65.1 5.9 24.1 4.9

Public Colleges/Universities= 63.7 3.8 27.4 5.1

Industrial Growth and

Development = 62.6 7.0 24.4 6.0

Programs for Poor = 61.5 9.5 24.1 4.9

Child day care facilities = 59.6 11.4 23.0 6.0

Encouraging Tourism = 53.6 13.2 26.4 6.8

Environmental Programs = 50.9% 8.7% 32.2% 8.2%

Jail and Prison Facilities= 49.9 15.2 27.4 7.5

A correlation matrix of gammas found that people responded very similarly to the following pairs of items: elementary and secondary, and higher education; health care and poverty programs; health care and day care; and poverty and day care programs. This resulted in two dimensions--education (both levels) and economic security (poverty, health, day care). Two scales were formed reflecting these dimensions, and including two items each: (1) elementary and secondary, and higher education, and (2) poverty and health care programs. The public distribution on these two scales was (among those having opinions):

ELEMENTARY, SECONDARY, AND HIGHER EDUCATION:

Spend more on all levels of education = 62.6%.

Spend more on only one education level, or neither = 37.4%.

POVERTY AND HEALTH CARE PROGRAMS:

Spend more on both poverty and health care programs = 56.9%.

Spend more on only one of these types of programs,

or on neither = 43.1%.