Florida (FL) Poll * June 3, 2008 * Florida Voters Balk At School - Quinnipiac University

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June 3, 2008 - Florida Voters Balk At School Vouchers, Quinnipiac University Poll Finds; But Back Them When Linked To 65 % Classroom Spending

Word format Florida Gov. Charlie Crist's job approval remains a lofty 61 - 23 percent, while Florida voters support so strongly a requirement that 65 percent of education funds be used in the classroom that it could carry along a less popular proposal that would allow school vouchers, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today.
Florida voters oppose 56 - 38 percent a constitutional amendment to make it easier for the state to provide public funds for vouchers for religious and private schools, the independent Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pe-ack) University poll finds. Republicans split 48 - 46 percent, as Democrats oppose it 62 - 31 percent and independent voters oppose it 66 - 30 percent.
But voters support 63 - 25 percent another constitutional amendment that allows school vouchers and requires that schools spend at least 65 percent of their budgets in the classroom. Republicans, Democrats and independent voters all support the measure by 60 percent or more.
Florida voters support 58 - 37 percent a constitutional amendment that specifically defines marriage as a legal union between a man and a woman, making same-sex marriage illegal in Florida. Republicans back the measure 77 - 19 percent, as independent voters support it 52 - 44 percent, while Democrats oppose it 52 - 44 percent. Voters with no college degree back the amendment 64 - 32 percent, while college-educated voters oppose it 50 - 46 percent.
"Any politician would die to have Gov. Charlie Crist's approval rating. The economy is down; state programs are being cut and 60 percent of voters say they are somewhat or very dissatisfied with the way things are going in Florida today, yet his numbers remain very, very good," said Peter Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute.
"If Arizona Sen. McCain is seriously thinking about picking Gov. Crist as his Republican running mate, these numbers certainly will not dissuade him," Brown added.
Crist's support remains solid across the board with 67 percent of Republicans, 60 percent of Democrats and 55 percent of independents giving him a thumbs up. In addition, 55 per cent of voters say Crist has kept his campaign promises.
Other statewide Florida officials' job approval ratings are:
U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, 51 - 26 percent; U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez, 40 - 35 percent; State Attorney General Bill McCollum, 52 - 20 percent; Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, 33 - 25 percent.
"While the constitutional amendment on same-sex marriage is just short of the 60 percent needed for passage, similar measures have passed in more than a dozen states and it would be something of a surprise if it were to fail here," said Brown.
Florida voters support 50 - 38 percent a proposal to eliminate the part of the local property tax that goes for schools and replace it with another levy, such as a sales tax hike, to be determined by the State Legislature.
"Supporters of this one have work to do with the public," said Brown.
The survey finds that if it were to pass 35 percent of voters would like the money replaced by raising the state sales tax rate; 34 percent would want to eliminate sales tax exemptions, and 21 percent would want to make up the cash by cutting state spending.
Looking at the amendment linking vouchers to the 65 percent classroom spending requirement, 33 percent favor spending more than 65 percent in the classroom, while 50 percent say 65 percent is "about right."
"The pro-voucher folks who linked their proposal with the 65 percent requirement may have made a smart political move. Opponents of that amendment are going to have difficulty convincing voters because of the 65 percent requirement," said Brown.
From May 27 - June 1, Quinnipiac University surveyed 1,625 Florida voters with a margin of error of +/- 2.4 percentage points.
The Quinnipiac University Poll, directed by Douglas Schwartz, Ph.D., conducts public opinion surveys in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida, Ohio and the nation as a public service and for research.
For more data -- http://www.quinnipiac.edu/polling.xml, or call (203) 582-5201.
1. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Charlie Crist is handling his job as Governor?
WtBrnAgn Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Evnglcl Approve 61% 67% 60% 55% 62% 59% 58% Disapprove 23 21 26 25 25 22 24 DK/NA 16 13 14 19 12 19 17 North/ PnHnd Bay Cntrl SthW SthE Approve 56% 65% 49% 73% 67% Disapprove 26 18 33 13 21 DK/NA 18 17 18 14 12
TREND: Do you approve or disapprove of the way Charlie Crist is handling his job as Governor? * also 73% on 3/29/07
Highest Lowest Approve Approve Jun 3 Apr 10 Oct 24 Sep 11 Jul 19 Jul 19 Apr 10 2008 2008 2007 2007 2007 2007 * 2008 Approve 61 59 65 65 73 73 59 Disapprove 23 25 17 17 11 11 25 DK/NA 16 15 18 18 16 16 15
2. Do you approve or disapprove of the way the state legislature is handling its job?
WtBrnAgn Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Evnglcl Approve 38% 46% 32% 35% 42% 34% 43% Disapprove 46 37 55 46 45 46 36 DK/NA 17 17 13 19 13 20 20 North/ PnHnd Bay Cntrl SthW SthE Approve 43% 36% 34% 54% 32% Disapprove 43 45 49 32 50 DK/NA 15 19 17 13 18
TREND: Do you approve or disapprove of the way the state legislature is handling its job?
Highest Lowest Approve Approve Jun 3 Apr 10 Oct 24 Sep 11 Jul 19 Sep 23 Apr 10 2008 2008 2007 2007 2007 2004 2008 Approve 38 32 36 37 39 51 32 Disapprove 46 48 43 43 37 34 48 DK/NA 17 20 22 20 24 15 20
3. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Bill Nelson is handling his job as United States Senator?
WtBrnAgn Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Evnglcl Approve 51% 43% 63% 47% 48% 53% 45% Disapprove 26 33 16 30 30 22 29 DK/NA 24 24 21 23 22 25 26 North/ PnHnd Bay Cntrl SthW SthE Approve 49% 50% 52% 46% 53% Disapprove 27 27 25 29 23 DK/NA 23 23 24 25 24
TREND: Do you approve or disapprove of the way Bill Nelson is handling his job as United States Senator?
Highest Lowest Approve Approve Jun 3 Apr 10 Oct 24 Sep 11 Jul 19 Feb 6 Aug 12 2008 2008 2007 2007 2007 2007 2004 Approve 51 49 48 50 47 54 42 Disapprove 26 25 24 22 26 18 18 DK/NA 24 26 28 29 27 28 40
4. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Mel Martinez is handling his job as United States Senator?
WtBrnAgn Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Evnglcl Approve 40% 49% 35% 39% 41% 40% 40% Disapprove 35 25 42 38 38 31 30 DK/NA 25 25 23 24 21 29 30 North/ PnHnd Bay Cntrl SthW SthE Approve 40% 40% 46% 47% 33% Disapprove 30 37 33 31 38 DK/NA 30 23 21 21 28
TREND: Do you approve or disapprove of the way Mel Martinez is handling his job as United States Senator?
Highest Lowest Approve Approve Jun 3 Apr 10 Oct 24 Sep 11 Jul 19 Feb 6 Oct 24 2008 2008 2007 2007 2007 2007 2007 Approve 40 36 35 38 36 48 35 Disapprove 35 37 34 33 38 22 34 DK/NA 25 27 31 29 26 29 31
5. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Bill McCollum is handling his job as Florida's Attorney General?
WtBrnAgn Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Evnglcl Approve 52% 62% 48% 46% 51% 52% 55% Disapprove 20 12 27 24 22 18 16 DK/NA 28 26 26 30 26 30 29 North/ PnHnd Bay Cntrl SthW SthE Approve 53% 50% 54% 57% 48% Disapprove 21 18 24 13 21 DK/NA 27 32 22 30 31
TREND: Do you approve or disapprove of the way Bill McCollum is handling his job as Florida's attorney general?
Jun 3 Oct 24 2008 2007 Approve 52 44 Disapprove 20 17 DK/NA 28 39
6. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Alex Sink is handling her job as Florida's chief financial officer?
WtBrnAgn Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Evnglcl Approve 33% 30% 36% 33% 36% 29% 30% Disapprove 25 23 24 32 23 27 21 DK/NA 42 47 40 35 41 44 49 North/ PnHnd Bay Cntrl SthW SthE Approve 32% 36% 33% 33% 30% Disapprove 27 23 26 26 24 DK/NA 42 42 40 42 46
TREND: Do you approve or disapprove of the way Alex Sink is handling her job as Florida's chief financial officer?
Jun 3 Oct 24 2008 2007 Approve 33 38 Disapprove 25 15 DK/NA 42 47
7. In general, how satisfied are you with the way things are going in Florida today? Are you very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied?
WtBrnAgn Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Evnglcl Very satisfied 4% 6% 3% 2% 5% 3% 5% Smwht satisfied 35 42 29 33 37 33 39 Smwht dissatisfied 34 34 35 34 34 34 32 Very dissatisfied 26 16 32 31 23 29 23 DK/NA 1 1 - 1 1 1 1 North/ PnHnd Bay Cntrl SthW SthE Very satisfied 6% 4% 4% 5% 3% Smwht satisfied 41 39 34 37 27 Smwht dissatisfied 33 31 34 35 38 Very dissatisfied 19 26 28 22 32 DK/NA 1 1 1 1 -
TREND: In general, how satisfied are you with the way things are going in Florida today? Are you very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied?
Jun 3 Apr 10 Oct 24 Sep 11 Jul 19 Dec 20 Jun 29 2008 2008 2007 2007 2007 2006 2006 Very satisfied 4 5 5 7 8 10 13 Smwht satisfied 35 32 42 40 45 41 45 Smwht dissatisfied 34 34 33 33 33 29 26 Very dissatisfied 26 28 19 18 13 19 16 DK/NA 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
8. Do you think that Charlie Crist has kept his campaign promises so far or not?
WtBrnAgn Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Evnglcl Yes 55% 60% 52% 54% 55% 55% 56% No 29 24 33 29 30 27 25 DK/NA 17 15 15 17 15 18 19 North/ PnHnd Bay Cntrl SthW SthE Yes 51% 60% 45% 67% 59% No 30 25 34 20 28 DK/NA 19 16 21 12 13
TREND: Do you think that Charlie Crist has kept his campaign promises so far or not?
Jun 3 Apr 10 Oct 24 Sep 11 Feb 6 2008 2008 2007 2007 2007 Yes 55 51 57 55 67 No 29 33 24 23 6 DK/NA 17 16 19 22 27
9. There is a proposed constitutional amendment to reduce property taxes about 25 percent by doing away with local property taxes used to fund public schools. How much have you heard or read about this plan - A lot, some, not much or nothing at all?
WtBrnAgn Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Evnglcl A lot 23% 23% 24% 21% 26% 20% 23% Some 43 42 45 41 42 43 38 Not much 23 24 21 24 22 23 25 Nothing at all 12 10 11 14 10 13 14 DK/NA - - - 1 - - - North/ HvKids HvKids PnHnd Bay Cntrl SthW SthE <18 PubSch A lot 23% 17% 27% 23% 22% 17% 19% Some 41 41 41 44 48 45 42 Not much 23 29 21 22 19 23 25 Nothing at all 13 13 10 11 11 14 13 DK/NA - - 1 - 1 - 1
10. The proposed constitutional amendment would require the funds to be made up through one or more of the following options - An increase in state sales tax of up to one cent, The elimination of some sales-tax exemptions or Reducing spending. Do you support or oppose this constitutional amendment?
WtBrnAgn Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Evnglcl Support 50% 58% 42% 52% 58% 43% 52% Oppose 38 35 46 33 34 43 39 DK/NA 11 8 11 15 8 14 9 North/ HvKids HvKids PnHnd Bay Cntrl SthW SthE <18 PubSch Support 43% 54% 47% 55% 55% 52 53 Oppose 45 33 41 32 37 38 37 DK/NA 11 13 12 13 9 11 11
11. If this constitutional amendment were to pass, would you prefer the legislature - Increase the state sales tax, Eliminate sales-tax exemptions, or Reduce spending on state programs and services?
WtBrnAgn Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Evnglcl Increase sales tax 35% 32% 34% 41% 36% 34% 32% Eliminate exemptions 34 30 40 31 31 35 27 Reduce spending 21 31 12 18 25 18 31 DK/NA 10 8 13 10 8 13 10 Q9.................. North/ Heard Heard PnHnd Bay Cntrl SthW SthE lot/sm noth/notmuch Increase sales tax 29% 34% 32% 37% 42% 40% 26% Eliminate exemptions 39 33 36 28 29 32 37 Reduce spending 22 22 20 30 18 21 22 DK/NA 11 11 11 6 11 8 15
12. In general do you favor or oppose providing parents with tax money in the form of school vouchers to help pay for their children to attend private or religious schools?
WtBrnAgn Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Evnglcl Favor 41% 53% 31% 34% 43% 39% 50% Oppose 55 43 64 63 54 56 46 DK/NA 4 4 5 3 3 5 4 North/ HvKids HvKids PnHnd Bay Cntrl SthW SthE <18 PubSch Favor 50% 38% 41% 41% 36% 48% 45% Oppose 45 57 57 56 60 48 51 DK/NA 5 5 3 3 4 4 4
TREND: In general do you favor or oppose providing parents with tax money in the form of school vouchers to help pay for their children to attend private or religious schools?
Jun 3 Apr 10 2008 2008 Favor 41 41 Oppose 55 54 DK/NA 4 5
13. Would you favor or oppose a constitutional amendment that would make it easier for the state to provide public funds for vouchers to private or religious schools?
WtBrnAgn Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Evnglcl Favor 38% 48% 31% 30% 40% 36% 47% Oppose 56 46 62 66 55 57 47 DK/NA 6 6 7 3 5 7 6 North/ HvKids HvKids PnHnd Bay Cntrl SthW SthE <18 PubSch Favor 46% 32% 40% 37% 34% 49% 46% Oppose 48 59 55 57 61 48 51 DK/NA 6 9 5 5 5 3 3
TREND: Would you favor or oppose a constitutional amendment that would make it easier for the state to provide public funds for vouchers to private or religious schools?
Jun 3 Apr 10 2008 2008 Favor 38 36 Oppose 56 59 DK/NA 6 5
14. Another proposed constitutional amendment would allow school voucher programs in Florida and require that schools spend at least 65 percent of their budgets in the classroom. Do you support or oppose this proposed constitutional amendment?
WtBrnAgn Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Evnglcl Support 63% 67% 60% 64% 60% 66% 71% Oppose 25 21 30 24 29 22 20 DK/NA 12 12 10 12 12 12 9 North/ HvKids HvKids PnHnd Bay Cntrl SthW SthE <18 PubSch Support 69% 63% 61% 60% 61% 65% 68% Oppose 20 27 25 27 26 22 22 DK/NA 11 10 13 13 12 13 10 STAND ON VOUCHER AMENDMENT Q13... Favor Oppose Support 83% 51% Oppose 8 37 DK/NA 9 12
15. Do you think schools should spend more than 65 percent of their budgets on classroom instruction, less than 65 percent, or is 65 percent about right?
WtBrnAgn Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Evnglcl More than 65% 33% 34% 32% 34% 33% 34% 30% Less than 65% 5 4 6 5 5 5 5 65% is about right 50 50 50 49 48 51 54 DK/NA 12 11 12 11 14 11 11 North/ HvKids HvKids PnHnd Bay Cntrl SthW SthE <18 PubSch More than 65% 35% 31% 35% 36% 32% 39% 41% Less than 65% 6 7 4 3 4 3 2 65% is about right 49 49 50 49 50 48 49 DK/NA 10 13 11 12 14 10 8
16. In general, how much influence do you think state government should have on the decisions of local school districts in how they spend their funds? Do you think that state government should have a lot of influence, some, not much, or no influence at all?
WtBrnAgn Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Evnglcl A lot 16% 17% 16% 15% 17% 15% 11% Some 53 53 53 54 50 55 53 Not much 18 18 19 18 19 18 22 No influence 11 11 10 10 12 9 11 DK/NA 2 1 3 4 2 3 3 North/ HvKids HvKids PnHnd Bay Cntrl SthW SthE <18 PubSch A lot 18% 12% 17% 17% 18% 17% 20% Some 49 55 53 52 53 54 52 Not much 19 17 18 21 17 19 18 No influence 10 14 10 8 10 7 8 DK/NA 5 2 2 1 2 2 2
17. Another proposed constitutional amendment would specifically define marriage as a legal union between a man and a woman, making same-sex marriage illegal in Florida. Do you support or oppose this constitutional amendment defining marriage as a legal union between a man and a woman?
WtBrnAgn Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Evnglcl Support 58% 77% 44% 52% 60% 57% 80% Oppose 37 19 52 44 36 38 16 DK/NA 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 North/ ATTEND SERVICES Q21 PnHnd Bay Cntrl SthW SthE Weekly Less Support 66% 61% 61% 67% 44% 74% 49% Oppose 31 35 33 26 53 23 47 DK/NA 3 4 6 7 3 3 4 No col College degree degree Support 64% 46% Oppose 32 50 DK/NA 4 3
18. Almost 20 years ago, Florida voters approved a change in the state Constitution limiting to eight years the amount of time anyone can serve as a state representative, state senator or member of the governor's cabinet. Governors were already limited to eight years in office. Do you think these term limits have been good for Florida or not?
WtBrnAgn Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Evnglcl Yes 74% 81% 72% 72% 73% 75% 77% No 20 15 22 20 21 19 17 DK/NA 6 4 6 8 6 6 6 North/ PnHnd Bay Cntrl SthW SthE Yes 74% 68% 75% 86% 75% No 22 25 17 12 19 DK/NA 4 7 7 2 6
19. Governor Charlie Crist will spend 12 days overseas this summer focusing on climate change and Florida's economic development ties to Europe. Do you think this is a good idea or a bad idea?
WtBrnAgn Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Evnglcl Good idea 55% 48% 60% 61% 55% 55% 50% Bad idea 38 46 34 33 40 37 42 DK/NA 7 6 6 5 5 8 8 North/ PnHnd Bay Cntrl SthW SthE Good idea 61% 52% 50% 56% 59% Bad idea 33 43 42 32 35 DK/NA 6 4 8 12 6
20. Do you support or oppose the decision by Governor Charlie Crist and the Legislature to allow people with concealed weapons permits to keep their firearms locked in their cars while they are at work?
WtBrnAgn Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Evnglcl Support 47% 63% 33% 47% 59% 37% 60% Oppose 49 35 64 49 38 59 36 DK/NA 3 2 3 4 3 4 4 North/ PnHnd Bay Cntrl SthW SthE Support 55% 46% 51% 53% 37% Oppose 43 48 46 42 61 DK/NA 3 6 3 5 2
21. Would you say you attend religious services every week, almost every week, once or twice a month, a few times a year, or never?
WtBrnAgn Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Evnglcl WEEKLY: Every week 28% 36% 26% 20% 23% 32% 46% Almost every week 10 11 10 10 9 11 13 LESS: Once or twice a month 14 13 14 16 14 14 13 A few times a year 29 25 33 31 31 26 20 Never 17 14 16 20 20 14 5 DK/NA 2 1 1 3 3 2 2