F

For immediiate release

e June 18, 2
2015

Frranklin
n&M
Marshall
College P
Poll
SURV
VEY OF
F PENNS
SYLVANIANS
SUMMAR
S
RY OF F
FINDINGS
Pre
epared b
by:
Center for Opinion
n Research
Floy
yd Institu
ute for P
Public Policy
Fra
anklin & Marsha
all Colle
ege
BE RWOOD A. YO
OST
DIREC
CTOR, FLOYD
D INSTITUTE F
FOR PUBLIC P
POLICY
DIR
RECTOR, CENT
TER FOR OPINION RESEAR
RCH
HEAD
H
METHO
ODOLOGIST, F
FRANKLIN & M
MARSHALL CO
OLLEGE POL
LL

G. T
TERRY MADONNA
DIRECTO
OR, CENTER F
FOR POLITICS
S AND PUBLIC
C AFFAIRS
DIRECT
TOR, FRANKL
LIN & MARSHA
ALL COLLEGE POLL

JACQ
QUELINE RED
DMAN
PROJECT MANAGER, CENTER FOR
R OPINION RE
ESEARCH
PROJECT MANAGER,
M
FR
RANKLIN & MA
ARSHALL COL
LLEGE POLL

KA
AY K. HUEBNER
PROG
GRAMMER, CE
ENTER FOR O
OPINION RESE
EARCH

Ju
une 18, 20
015

Table of Contents
KEY FINDINGS ............................................................................................................... 1
TOM WOLF JOB PERFORMANCE AND FAVORABILITY .......................................................... 3
STATE ISSUES................................................................................................................ 4
PAT TOOMEY JOB PERFORMANCE AND FAVORABILITY ....................................................... 6
PRESIDENT OBAMAS JOB PERFORMANCE ........................................................................ 7
METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................................ 8
ATTACHMENT A ............................................................................................................ 9
ATTACHMENT B .......................................................................................................... 10
ATTACHMENT C .......................................................................................................... 11
MARGINAL FREQUENCY REPORT............................................................................ 12

Key Findings
F
s
The
T June 2015 Franklin & Marshall College
C
Poll of Pennsylvvania registeered voters shhows
more reg
gistered voterrs favor (49%
%) than oppo
ose (37%) thhe states mooratorium onn carrying ouut the
death pen
nalty in Penn
nsylvania, an
nd almost alll (87%) favoor the legalizzation of meedical marijuuana
in the staate. Nearly two
t in five (3
39%) registeered voters bbelieves Govvernor Wolf is doing an
excellen
nt or good job as governor. The Governors
G
rratings are ssimilar to thee ratings receeived
by Presid
dent Obama (37%) and slightly
s
higher than thosee received byy Senator Tooomey (34%
%).
Pennsylv
vania registerred voters top
t budget prriorities incllude increasiing state eduucation fundiing
(30%) an
nd local prop
perty tax refo
orm (25%) and
a these pri orities have changed litttle since Marrch.

Tom Wolf
W Job Pe
erformanc
ce and Fa
avorability
y
Nearly
N
two in
n five (39%) registered Pennsylvania
P
a voters belieeves Governnor Wolf is ddoing
an excelllent or go
ood job as governor,
g
wh
hich is unchaanged since March. Moore than threee in
five (56%
%) Democratts rate his peerformance as
a excellentt or good. Governor Wolfs job
performaance ratings are lower than Governorr Rendell or Governor R
Ridge but higgher than
Governorr Corbett at the beginnin
ng of their firrst terms (seee Figure 1). Governor W
Wolf is view
wed
more fav
vorably (44%
%) than unfav
vorably (27%
%) by the staates registerred voters.

Figure 1:

Comparison of Pen
nnsylvania Go
overnors Job
b Performancce Ratings
How wou
uld you rate the way that [fill Goverrnor] is handling hhis job as governorr? Would you say he
is doing
an excellent job
b, a good job, only a fair job, or a pooor job as governoor?

State Is
ssues
Budget Priorities
P
Pennsylvaniaa registered voters
v
reporrt their top prriority for thhe state goveernment is too see
an increaase in state fu
unding for public educattion (30%) oor to have loccal property tax reform
(25%), reevealing the same prioritties as our March
M
surveyy. Other prioorities, such as dealing w
with
the states pension ob
bligations orr reducing state spendingg are ranked lower in im
mportance (seee
Figure 2)). Not surpriisingly, Republicans plaace more empphasis on reducing propperty taxes (228%)
and reduccing state sp
pending (26%
%) while Dem
mocrats morre often suppport increaseed funding fo
for
public ed
ducation (41%
%). A majority (58%) of
o state voterrs supports thhe Governorrs budget pllan, a
proportio
on that is uncchanged sincce March. The
T stability of these preferences sugggests that thhe
budget deebate has do
one little to change
c
voterrs budget prriorities.
Figure 2:

Top Legislative Priiorities by Party, Pennsylvvania 2015

Which off the following issu
ues do you think sh
hould be the top prriority for state law
wmakers to addres
ess?

Death Peenalty
More
M
registerred voters faavor (49%) th
han oppose ((37%) the sttates moratoorium on
carrying out the death
h penalty in Pennsylvania. Althoughh three in fivve (61%) reggistered voteers
favor thee death penallty for those convicted of murder, m
more (47%) bbelieve that liife in prisonn
without parole
p
is a more
m
approprriate sentencee for murderr than is the death penaltty (41%).
Marijuan
na
Only
O
two in five
f (40%) reegistered votters think thaat marijuanaa should be llegal in
Pennsylv
vania, but alm
most all (87%
%) registered
d voters favoor the legalizzation of meedical marijuuana.
Support for
f the legaliization of bo
oth types of marijuana
m
haas increasedd in the past ddecade in the
state (Fig
gure 3).
Figure 3:

Suppo
ort for Legalizzed Marijuan
na and Mediccal Marijuanaa in Pennsylvvania, 2006-20015
Do you think
t
the use of ma
arijuana should bee legal or not? Doo you favor or oppoose allowing adultts to
legally use
u marijuana for medical
m
purposes if a doctor recomm
mends it?

Pat Toomey Job Performance and Favorability

One in three (34%) registered Pennsylvania voters believes Senator Toomey is doing an
excellent or good job as US Senator. About half (49%) of Republicans rate his performance
as excellent or good. Senator Toomey is still viewed more favorably (34%) than
unfavorably (22%) by the states registered voters. Senator Toomey currently leads Democrat
Joe Sestak by a four-point margin, 35% to 31%, although many voters (34%) are still undecided
about this race. Senator Toomey has a larger, eleven-point lead over Allentown Mayor Ed
Pawlowski, 34% to 23%. Joe Sestaks name recognition is relatively low, with a majority (56%)
of the states registered voters saying they do not know enough about Sestak to have an opinion
of him.

Preside
ent Obamas Job Performanc
P
ce
One
O in three (37%)
(
registtered Pennsy
ylvania voterrs believes P
President Obbama is doingg an
excellen
nt or good job as Pressident, which
h is about thhe same as inn recent survveys. Three in
five (63%
%) of the stattes registereed Democratts provide thhe president with a favorrable job
performaance rating, and
a only onee in four (30%) independdents do. Less than one iin ten (6%)
registered
d Republican
ns rate his performance favorably. P
President Obbamas job peerformance
ratings arre better than
n President Bushs
B
rating
gs in Pennsyylvania at a ssimilar pointt in his
presidenccy (Figure 4).
Figure 4:

Comparison of Preesidential Job Performancee Ratings, Peennsylvania

How would you rate the way
w that [fill President] is handlingg his job as Presideent? Would you saay he
g an excellent jo
ob, a good job, onlly a fair job, or a ppoor job as Presiddent?
is doing

Methodology
The survey findings presented in this release are based on the results of interviews
conducted June 8 -14, 2015. The interviews were conducted at the Center for Opinion Research
at Franklin & Marshall College under the direction of the polls Director Dr. G. Terry Madonna,
Head Methodologist Berwood Yost, and Project Manager Jacqueline Redman. The data included
in this release represent the responses of 556 Pennsylvania registered voters, including 274
Democrats, 210 Republicans, and 72 Independents. The sample of registered voters was obtained
from Labels & Lists. Survey results were weighted (gender, region and party registration) using
an iterative weighting algorithm to reflect the known distribution of those characteristics as
reported by the Pennsylvania Department of State.
The sample error for this survey is +/- 4.1 percentage points when the design effects from
weighting are considered. In addition to sampling error, this poll is also subject to other sources
of non-sampling error. Generally speaking, two sources of error concern researchers most. Nonresponse bias is created when selected participants either choose not to participate in the survey
or are unavailable for interviewing. Response errors are the product of the question and answer
process. Surveys that rely on self-reported behaviors and attitudes are susceptible to biases
related to the way respondents process and respond to survey questions.

Attachment A
Job Performance: Governor Wolf, Pennsylvania June 2015
How would you rate the way that Tom Wolf is handling his job as governor? Would you say he is doing an
Excellent/Good

Only Fair/Poor

Do Not Know

Republican
Democrat
Independent or something else

16%
56%
32%

70%
31%
56%

13%
13%
12%

Extremely liberal
Slightly liberal
Moderate
Slightly conservative
Extremely conservative

80%
49%
42%
22%
14%

12%
34%
49%
65%
68%

8%
17%
9%
13%
19%

Male
Female

35%
41%

54%
45%

11%
14%

Under 35
35-54
Over 55

36%
38%
39%

56%
50%
48%

8%
12%
13%

HS or less
Some college
College degree

34%
32%
45%

53%
54%
43%

13%
14%
12%

Under 35
35-75
Over 75

36%
38%
43%

48%
45%
53%

16%
17%
3%

White
Nonwhite

37%
52%

50%
40%

13%
8%

40%
37%
40%

50%
50%
46%

10%
13%
13%

31%
39%
47%

59%
47%
41%

11%
14%
12%

28%
42%

64%
43%

8%
14%

23%
46%

66%
41%

12%
13%

44%
36%
55%
21%
28%
37%
41%

39%
47%
40%
64%
61%
52%
46%

17%
18%
5%
15%
11%
11%
13%

42%
32%
37%

49%
54%
48%

10%
14%
15%

Political party*

Ideology*

Gender

Age

Education

Income*

Race

Marital Status
Single, Never Married
Married
Not currently married
Religious Affiliation*
Protestant
Catholic
Other, unaffiliated
Born Again Christian or Fundamentalist*
Yes
No
Gun Owner*
Yes
No
Region**
Philadelphia
Northeast
Allegheny
Southwest
Northwest
Central
Southeast
Employment
Fulltime
Other
Retired

* p<0.01 ** p<0.05

Attachment B
Job Performance: Senator Toomey, Pennsylvania June 2015
How would you rate the way that Pat Toomey is handling his job as senator? Would you say he is doing an
Excellent/Good

Only Fair/Poor

Do Not Know

Republican
Democrat
Independent or something else

49%
22%
28%

32%
57%
51%

19%
21%
21%

Extremely liberal
Slightly liberal
Moderate
Slightly conservative
Extremely conservative

7%
14%
28%
50%
53%

78%
57%
49%
35%
34%

15%
29%
24%
15%
13%

Male
Female

35%
31%

53%
42%

12%
27%

Under 35
35-54
Over 55

22%
30%
36%

52%
48%
46%

26%
22%
18%

HS or less
Some college
College degree

32%
36%
32%

46%
47%
48%

22%
18%
20%

Under 35
35-75
Over 75

27%
36%
30%

49%
41%
57%

24%
23%
13%

White
Nonwhite

34%
20%

46%
59%

20%
21%

23%
38%
26%

59%
44%
48%

18%
18%
26%

41%
39%
18%

40%
45%
58%

19%
15%
24%

39%
31%

42%
50%

19%
19%

36%
31%

47%
48%

16%
22%

23%
44%
30%
34%
29%
33%
34%

59%
39%
51%
45%
33%
47%
51%

18%
17%
19%
21%
38%
20%
15%

26%
38%
37%

52%
42%
45%

21%
20%
18%

Political party*

Ideology*

Gender*

Age

Education

Income**

Race

Marital Status**
Single, Never Married
Married
Not currently married
Religious Affiliation*
Protestant
Catholic
Other, unaffiliated
Born Again Christian or Fundamentalist**
Yes
No
Gun Owner**
Yes
No
Region
Philadelphia
Northeast
Allegheny
Southwest
Northwest
Central
Southeast
Employment
Fulltime
Other
Retired

* p<0.01 ** p<0.05

10

Attachment C
Job Performance: President Obama, Pennsylvania June 2015
How would you rate the way that Barack Obama is handling his job as president? Would you say he is doing an
Excellent/Good

Only Fair/Poor

Do Not Know

Republican
Democrat
Independent or something else

6%
63%
30%

94%
37%
68%

0%
1%
2%

Extremely liberal
Slightly liberal
Moderate
Slightly conservative
Extremely conservative

80%
60%
45%
14%
5%

17%
39%
54%
86%
95%

2%
2%
1%
0%
0%

Male
Female

34%
40%

66%
59%

0%
1%

Under 35
35-54
Over 55

32%
35%
38%

68%
63%
62%

0%
2%
0%

HS or less
Some college
College degree

33%
30%
44%

67%
69%
55%

0%
1%
1%

Under 35
35-75
Over 75

41%
36%
37%

58%
62%
63%

1%
1%
0%

White
Nonwhite

33%
73%

66%
27%

1%
0%

46%
32%
46%

53%
67%
54%

2%
0%
0%

26%
38%
50%

73%
62%
49%

1%
0%
1%

24%
42%

76%
57%

0%
1%

16%
47%

84%
52%

0%
1%

66%
28%
56%
23%
23%
32%
39%

34%
69%
44%
74%
77%
68%
61%

0%
3%
0%
2%
0%
0%
0%

38%
34%
38%

62%
64%
62%

1%
1%
1%

Political party*

Ideology*

Gender**

Age

Education**

Income

Race*

Marital Status*
Single, Never Married
Married
Not currently married
Religious Affiliation*
Protestant
Catholic
Other, unaffiliated
Born Again Christian or Fundamentalist*
Yes
No
Gun Owner*
Yes
No
Region*
Philadelphia
Northeast
Allegheny
Southwest
Northwest
Central
Southeast
Employment
Fulltime
Other
Retired

* p<0.01 ** p<0.05

11

Marginal Frequency Report

Responses may not total 100% due to rounding.

REG. Some people are registered to vote, and many others are not. Are you CURRENTLY
REGISTERED to vote at your present address?
100%
0%

Yes
No

RegPARTY. Are you currently registered as a Republican, a Democrat, an Independent, or as

something else?
38%
49%
10%
3%

Republican
Democrat
Independent
Something else

RightDir. All in all, do you think things in Pennsylvania are generally headed in the right direction, or
do you feel that things are off on the wrong track?

Jun 2015
Mar 2015
Oct 2014
Sept 2014
Aug 2014
Jun 2014
Jan 2014
Oct 2013
Aug 2013
May 2013
Aug 2012
June 2012
Feb 2012
Jan 2012
Oct 2011
Aug 2011
Mar 2011
Oct 2010
Sep 2010
Aug 2010
May 2010
Mar 2010
Feb 2010
Jan 2010

Headed in Right
Direction
36%
39%
28%
29%
27%
30%
25%
25%
26%
28%
31%
30%
31%
38%
38%
34%
37%
27%
31%
30%
35%
32%
37%
39%

Off on the Wrong

Track
47%
47%
61%
60%
61%
59%
62%
61%
62%
58%
56%
57%
56%
47%
49%
53%
53%
64%
59%
58%
55%
58%
50%
53%

12

Dont know
17%
15%
11%
11%
13%
11%
13%
13%
12%
13%
13%
13%
13%
15%
13%
13%
10%
9%
10%
12%
10%
10%
13%
8%

MIP_PA. What do you think is the MOST IMPORTANT problem facing PENNSYLVANIA TODAY?
Oct Aug Aug May Aug Oct Jan Jun Aug Sept Oct Mar Jun
2010 2011 2012* 2013* 2013* 2013* 2014* 2014* 2014* 2014* 2014* 2015* 2015*
4% 12% 13% 17% 23% 21% 19% 23% 29% 30% 25% 19% 18% Education, school
Unemployment, personal
17% 38% 30% 11% 21% 17% 26% 21% 16% 16% 20% 15% 18%
finances
14% 11% 15% 16% 16% 17% 11% 15% 14% 13% 14% 16% 17% Government, politicians
8% 5% 4%
7%
5% 8% 11% 9% 10% 11% 9% 17% 12% Taxes
39% 9% 12% 18% 7% 5% 5% 5% 3% 4% 5% 6% 7% Economy
0% 3% 3%
4%
3% 4% 2% 5% 5% 3% 5% 3% 6% Energy issues, gas prices
1% 2% 1%
3%
1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 4% 1% 1% 6% Senior issues, social security
Roads, infrastructure,
2% 3% 2%
2%
3% 4% 3% 5% 3% 2% 2% 4% 5%
transportation
1% 1% 2%
3%
3% 2% 1% 1% 2% 1% 2% 3% 2% Crime, drugs, violence, guns
2% 2% 1%
1%
0% 1% 1% 1% 1% 0% 1% 1% 1% Environment
7% 2% 3%
3%
6% 8% 4% 3% 2% 2% 2% 4% 1% Healthcare, insurance
0% 0% 0%
0%
0% 0% 0% 0% 1% 0% 1% 1% 1% Immigration
Retaining, attracting
1% 0% 2%
1%
0% 1% 1% 1% 0% 1% 0% 0% 1%
businesses
1% 2% 1%
1%
1% 1% 1% 1% 0% 0% 1% 1% 1% Social issues
0% 1% 1%
1%
1% 0% 2% 1% 1% 1% 1% 2% 1% Values, morals
0% 0% 2%
1%
2% 2% 1% 1% 0% 1% 0% 1% 0% Civil liberties
0% 0% 0%
0%
0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 1% 0% 0% 0% Foreign policy, terrorism, war
0% 1% 0%
0%
0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% Gambling, slot machines
0% 2% 0%
0%
0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% Housing, real estate
Personal illness, health
0% 0% 0%
0%
0% 0% 0% 0% 1% 0% 0% 0% 0%
problems
1% 2% 1%
1%
1% 2% 1% 1% 1% 2% 1% 1% 0% Welfare
1% 1% 2%
1%
1% 3% 2% 2% 4% 3% 2% 2% 3% Other
3% 6% 6%
8%
5% 7% 8% 7% 8% 6% 8% 5% 0% Don't know
*Question asked of registered respondents only

13

IntFav. Please let me know your opinion of some people involved in politics today. Is your opinion of
[FILL name] favorable, unfavorable, undecided, or havent you heard enough about [FILL name] to
have an opinion? (rotated)
Strongly
favorable
TOM WOLF
Jun 2015
Mar 2015
Oct 2014
Sept 2014
Aug 2014
Jun 2014
PAT TOOMEY
Jun 2015
Mar 2015
Oct 2013
Aug 2013
May 2013
Feb 2013
Mar 2011
Oct 2010
Sep 2010
Aug 2010
May 2010
Mar 2010
Feb 2010
Jan 2010
Oct 2009
Aug 2009
KATHLEEN KANE
Jun 2015
Mar 2015
JOE SESTAK
Jun 2015
Mar 2015
Oct 2010
Sep 2010
Aug 2010
May 2010
Mar 2010
Feb 2010
Jan 2010
Oct 2009
Aug 2009

Somewhat
favorable

Somewhat
unfavorable

Strongly
unfavorable

Undecided

Dont
know

21%
22%
20%
19%
18%
15%

23%
18%
20%
21%
19%
20%

10%
11%
7%
9%
7%
5%

17%
16%
18%
13%
10%
7%

19%
22%
18%
18%
22%
20%

11%
11%
16%
21%
24%
32%

11%
9%
8%
7%
12%
11%
6%
15%
12%
11%
6%
8%
6%
6%
5%
7%

23%
21%
19%
19%
23%
15%
17%
15%
13%
14%
10%
10%
10%
9%
11%
11%

7%
11%
11%
10%
11%
8%
7%
10%
7%
8%
4%
5%
2%
4%
5%
4%

15%
12%
16%
10%
11%
12%
6%
16%
9%
12%
5%
5%
5%
3%
5%
6%

17%
18%
13%
19%
15%
16%
22%
16%
17%
19%
15%
13%
15%
13%
10%
9%

28%
29%
34%
36%
28%
37%
42%
28%
43%
36%
60%
59%
62%
65%
64%
63%

4%
6%

11%
13%

10%
9%

22%
20%

18%
16%

34%
36%

9%
8%
10%
6%
8%
6%
4%
4%
3%
4%
3%

9%
7%
13%
11%
15%
11%
7%
6%
5%
7%
10%

4%
4%
12%
10%
13%
7%
4%
1%
4%
3%
2%

7%
3%
22%
15%
12%
5%
2%
2%
2%
2%
2%

15%
14%
19%
20%
18%
16%
10%
10%
10%
7%
10%

56%
63%
24%
38%
35%
55%
73%
77%
76%
77%
73%

14

BARACK OBAMA
Jun 2015
Mar 2015
Jan 2014
Oct 2013
Aug 2013
May 2013
Feb 2013
Oct 2012
Sep 2012
Aug 2012
June 2012
Feb 2012
Jan 2012
Mar 2011
May 2010
Mar 2010
Feb 2010
Jan 2010
Oct 2009
Aug 2009
Jun 2009
Feb 2009
Oct 2008
Sep 2008
Aug 2008

Strongly
favorable

Somewhat
favorable

Somewhat
unfavorable

Strongly
unfavorable

Undecided

Dont
know

25%
25%
21%
27%
22%
32%
31%
36%
35%
25%
26%
23%
25%
17%
26%
25%
27%
23%
29%
29%
39%
38%
38%
31%
25%

18%
16%
21%
23%
19%
20%
18%
14%
15%
21%
21%
22%
20%
24%
18%
17%
22%
21%
16%
26%
17%
18%
15%
18%
18%

10%
7%
10%
7%
9%
7%
9%
7%
6%
8%
11%
12%
12%
11%
12%
13%
10%
11%
12%
9%
6%
8%
8%
9%
7%

41%
44%
38%
37%
41%
36%
35%
38%
36%
37%
33%
35%
32%
33%
34%
33%
29%
33%
27%
28%
21%
15%
25%
21%
22%

5%
7%
8%
5%
10%
4%
6%
6%
7%
7%
9%
8%
9%
14%
10%
11%
11%
10%
13%
7%
14%
17%
12%
17%
23%

1%
1%
1%
0%
0%
1%
1%
0%
1%
1%
1%
0%
1%
2%
0%
1%
1%
2%
3%
1%
3%
4%
3%
3%
5%

Vote_Sen. If the 2016 election for U.S. SENATOR were being held today and the candidates
included (rotated) Joe Sestak, the Democrat, and Pat Toomey, the Republican, would you vote for
Joe Sestak, Pat Toomey, or aren't you sure how you would vote?

Jun 2015
Mar 2015

Joe Sestak
31%
29%

Pat Toomey
35%
34%

Dont know
34%
37%

Vote_Sen2. If the 2016 election for U.S. SENATOR were being held today and the candidates
included (rotated) Ed Pawlowski, the Democrat, and Pat Toomey, the Republican, would you vote
for Ed Pawlowski, Pat Toomey, or aren't you sure how you would vote?

Jun 2015

Ed Pawlowski
23%

Pat Toomey
34%

Dont know
43%

Rate_Gov. How would you rate the way that Tom Wolf is handling his job as Governor? Would you
say he is doing an

Jun 2015
Mar 2015

Excellent job
8%
7%

Good job
31%
31%

Only a fair job

34%
29%

15

Poor job Dont know

16%
13%
14%
19%

RateSenT. How would you rate the way that Pat Toomey is handling his job as U.S. SENATOR? Would
you say he is doing an

Jun 2015
Mar 2015
Oct 2013
Aug 2013
May 2013
Oct 2011
Aug 2011
Mar 2011

Excellent job
5%
3%
4%
4%
4%
3%
5%
3%

Good job
29%
28%
18%
20%
27%
29%
24%
25%

Only a fair job

33%
35%
34%
42%
39%
40%
37%
36%

Poor job
14%
13%
19%
9%
10%
11%
14%
10%

Dont know
20%
21%
25%
26%
21%
18%
20%
27%

RatePres. How would you rate the way that Barack Obama is handling his job as president?
Would you say he is doing an excellent job, a good job, only a fair job, or a poor job as President?

Jun 2015
Mar 2015
Oct 2014
Sept 2014
Aug 2014
Jun 2014
Jan 2014
Oct 2013
Aug 2013
May 2013
Feb 2013
Oct 2012
Sep 2012
Aug 2012
June 2012
Feb 2012
Jan 2012
Oct 2011
Aug 2011
Mar 2011
Oct 2010
Sep 2010
Aug 2010
May 2010
Mar 2010
Feb 2010
Jan 2010
Oct 2009
Aug 2009
Jun 2009
Mar 2009
Feb 2009

Excellent job
12%
11%
8%
6%
7%
7%
6%
11%
8%
14%
14%
17%
18%
12%
13%
11%
9%
9%
9%
7%
8%
10%
9%
14%
12%
12%
11%
17%
14%
20%
23%
25%

Good job
25%
24%
24%
25%
27%
27%
24%
28%
26%
30%
28%
29%
29%
31%
29%
26%
31%
28%
25%
28%
24%
26%
28%
24%
28%
29%
27%
23%
33%
35%
37%
30%

Only a fair job

20%
21%
27%
25%
28%
22%
31%
21%
23%
22%
23%
20%
19%
23%
30%
29%
29%
31%
33%
30%
31%
33%
28%
32%
27%
32%
32%
31%
29%
25%
22%
23%

16

Poor job
43%
43%
41%
43%
37%
42%
37%
39%
42%
33%
34%
33%
33%
33%
28%
35%
30%
32%
33%
34%
36%
30%
35%
29%
32%
27%
29%
28%
24%
19%
14%
13%

Dont know
1%
1%
0%
1%
1%
1%
1%
1%
1%
1%
1%
1%
0%
1%
1%
0%
0%
1%
1%
1%
1%
0%
1%
1%
1%
0%
1%
1%
0%
1%
4%
9%

PRIORITY. State lawmakers are currently discussing many problems and issues. Which of the
following issues do you think should be the TOP PRIORITY for state lawmakers to address? Should
their top priority be (rotated responses)
Mar
2015
27%
25%
15%
15%
8%
1%
6%
2%

Jun
2015
30%
25%
15%
10%
10%
2%
6%
2%

Increasing state funding for public education

Reforming the states tax system to reduce local property taxes
Reducing overall state spending
Passing a plan that deals with the states pension obligations
Increasing the states minimum wage
Privatizing the state liquor stores
Something else
Dont know

Budg2. Governor Wolf proposed increasing the state's sales tax, increasing personal income taxes
and creating a Marcellus Shale extraction tax. These increases would be used to reduce local
property taxes and to increase state funding to public schools in Pennsylvania. Do you generally
favor or oppose the Governors plan for (rotated) [funding public schools/ balancing the state budget/
reducing property taxes]?

Jun 2015
Mar 2015

Strongly
support
31%
29%

Somewhat
support
27%
30%

Somewhat
oppose
9%
11%

Strongly
oppose
24%
24%

Dont
know
8%
6%

Budg3fav. Why do you [strongly/somewhat] favor this plan? (321 voters who favor plan)
19%
17%
16%
15%
6%
5%
4%
4%
2%
1%
1%
1%
1%
1%
20%
2%

Need to tax Marcellus Shale drilling

Need more funding for education
Need property taxes relief, property taxes need to be reduced
Education should be a priority
Good plan, in general
Spreads out the tax burden and responsibility
Budget needs balanced, have to reduce deficits
Need tax reform
Need to increase sales tax
Fair compensation for teachers
Tax increases should only affect those who can afford it
Increases revenue
Tax increases are inevitable, they are going to happen
Reducing or cutting services does not solve problems/ isnt the answer
Other
Need more information; do not know enough about plan
*Totals may exceed 100% because multiple responses were accepted

17

Budg3opp. Why do you [strongly/somewhat] oppose this plan? (186 voters who oppose plan)
21%
20%
19%
10%
8%
8%
7%
7%
6%
5%
3%
3%
3%
2%
1%
1%
1%
18%
1%

Thinks the state should manage and spend their money better, instead of raising taxes
Against raising taxes, in general
Does not agree with plan - should not raise one tax to decrease another
Against extraction tax
Does not feel plan will work
Does not support increasing taxes to fund schools; Schools to do not need more funding
Public school system needs reform
Property tax should be eliminated
Against increase of sales tax
Bad for economy
Will hurt individuals
Governor will not follow through
In favor of extraction tax, but against other aspects of the plan
Against income tax increase
Should be handled at local level
Would increase teacher salaries
Other ways to increase revenues
Other
Do not know
*Totals may exceed 100% because multiple responses were accepted

Pens3. State lawmakers are considering changing the public employee retirement benefits system
from a pension-based system to an individual retirement account or 401(k)-style system. Currently,
the state pension system guarantees a monthly income in retirement for state employees, including
teachers, the state makes the investments and takes on the investment risk. If the state changes to
a defined contribution system like a 401(k), there will be no guaranteed monthly income, employees
will be able to choose their own investments, and the individual will take on all investment risk. Do
you generally favor or oppose changing the state retirement benefits system?

Jun 2015

Strongly favor
35%

Somewhat favor Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose Dont know

16%
11%
27%
10%

Pens3fav. Why do you [Pens3word favor] changing the state retirement system? (284 voters who
favor plan)
29%
23%
21%
15%
10%
10%
5%
5%
4%
2%
2%
1%
12%

State employees should have to save for retirement just like everyone else; make things more fair
Puts responsibility on individuals
Current program is not sustainable
401k is most common system, used by most industries/people
State employees/teachers have too many benefits, earn enough money
Main reason state is in debt
Government should not be involved in retirement
Gives people more choices/options
Taxpayers should not be responsible for government employees retirement
401k will allow for larger returns
Compromise that will benefit state and individuals
Save the state money
Other
*Totals may exceed 100% because multiple responses were accepted

18

Pens3opp Why do you [Pens3word oppose] changing the state retirement system? (210 voters who
oppose plan)
18%
17%
15%
14%
12%
6%
4%
3%
3%
23%
2%

401k provides less security, No guaranteed money

State employee or retiree, does not want change
State employees would not get what has been promised to them
People do not have knowledge to handle financial investments without professional assistance
No changes should be made to current system
Less incentive to be a state employee
401k is not the best options for individuals, losing proposition, deplete by the time they die
Dependent on market, crash will hurt individuals
State retirement plan should not be privatized
Other
Do not know
*Totals may exceed 100% because multiple responses were accepted

DP1. Now Id like to ask you a few questions dealing with crime and justice issues. FirstDo you
favor or oppose the death penalty for persons convicted of murder?

Jun 2015

Strongly favor
39%

Somewhat favor Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose Dont know

22%
12%
18%
9%

DP2. Which do you think is a more appropriate sentence for murder: the death penalty, or life in
prison with no possibility of parole?

Jun 2015

The death penalty

41%

Life in prison with no possibility of parole

47%

Dont know
12%

DP3. Pennsylvania currently has a moratorium on the death penalty while a task force studies and
makes recommendations about its use in the state. Do you favor or oppose the states moratorium
on carrying out the death penalty?

Jun 2015

Strongly favor
28%

Somewhat favor Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose Dont know

21%
11%
26%
15%

Legal_MJ. Do you think the use of marijuana should be made legal, or not?

Jun 2015
Jun 2014
Jan 2014
May 2013
Feb 2013
May 2010
May 2006

Yes
40%
35%
36%
38%
36%
33%
22%

No
54%
57%
58%
54%
55%
60%
72%

19

Dont know
6%
7%
6%
8%
9%
7%
6%

FO_MJ. Generally speaking...do you favor or oppose allowing adults to legally use marijuana for
medical purposes if a doctor recommends it?

Jun 2015
Jun 2014
Jan 2014
May 2013
Feb 2013
May 2010
May 2006

Strongly favor
67%
59%
56%
55%
51%
53%
44%

Somewhat favor Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose Dont know

20%
2%
8%
3%
25%
4%
8%
4%
25%
4%
12%
4%
27%
3%
13%
3%
31%
3%
13%
2%
27%
4%
13%
3%
32%
7%
13%
4%

Discrim. Would you favor or oppose a state law that makes it illegal to discriminate in employment or
housing practices based on a persons sexual orientation or gender identity?

Jun 2015
Jan 2014

Strongly favor
56%
57%

Somewhat favor Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose Dont know

14%
8%
18%
4%
15%
6%
19%
3%

DEMO I now have a final few questions for statistical purposes only.
CNTY. Region of state (What is the name of the county you live in?)
26%
24%
12%
10%
10%
9%
9%

Central
Southeast
Northeast
Allegheny
Southwest
Philadelphia
Northwest

AGE. What was your age on your last birthday?

4%
4%
6%
16%
25%
45%

18-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65 and older

EDUC. What was the highest grade level of schooling you have completed?
5%
26%
13%
12%
24%
20%

Non high school graduate

High school graduate or GED
Some college
Two-year or tech degree
Four year college degree
Post graduate degree

20

MAR. What is your CURRENT marital statusare you single, married, separated, divorced, or a
widower?
65%
15%
12%
8%
1%

Married
Single, Never Married
Widow or widower
Divorced
Separated

IDEO. Politically speaking, do you consider yourself to be a liberal, a moderate, or a conservative?

Jun 2015
Oct 2014
Sept 2014
Aug 2014
Jun 2014
Jan 2014
Oct 2013
Aug 2013
May 2013
Feb 2013
Oct 2012
Sep 2012
Aug 2012
June 2012
Feb 2012
Jan 2011
Oct 2011
Aug 2011
Mar 2011
Oct 2010
Sep 2010
Aug 2010
May 2010
Mar 2010
Feb 2010
Jan 2010

Liberal
23%
23%
22%
20%
26%
24%
24%
22%
24%
26%
22%
26%
21%
25%
17%
21%
20%
24%
16%
16%
15%
19%
19%
17%
21%
19%

Moderate
35%
37%
36%
39%
36%
43%
39%
42%
39%
36%
39%
34%
40%
34%
39%
39%
39%
32%
33%
37%
34%
32%
32%
35%
33%
30%

Conservative
39%
36%
38%
36%
34%
28%
31%
33%
31%
35%
35%
35%
36%
36%
40%
36%
33%
37%
41%
39%
40%
40%
40%
40%
37%
42%

Dont know
4%
3%
5%
5%
5%
5%
6%
3%
6%
3%
5%
5%
4%
5%
4%
4%
8%
7%
10%
8%
10%
9%
9%
8%
9%
9%

PARTY. Regardless of how you are registered in politics, as of today, do you think of yourself as
a Republican, a Democrat, or an Independent?
18%
12%
13%
10%
12%
8%
26%
1%

Strong Republican
Republican
Lean Republican
Independent
Lean Democrat
Democrat
Strong Democrat
Dont know

21

GUN. Are you a gun owner?

31%
69%

Yes
No

GUN2. Generally speaking, do you favor or oppose creating more laws that regulate gun ownership?
Strongly
favor
38%
42%
39%
39%
43%
42%
46%
39%
43%
43%
40%
39%
39%
35%
34%
37%
37%
35%
38%
39%
39%
33%
38%
35%
42%
34%
28%
40%
33%
41%
37%
41%

Jun 2015
Oct 2014
Sept 2014
Aug 2014
Jun 2014
Jan 2014
Oct 2013
Aug 2013
May 2013
Feb 2013*
Aug 2007
Jun 2007
Feb 2007
Oct 2006*
Sep 2006*
Aug 2006*
May 2006*
Feb 2006
Nov 2005
Sep 2005
Jun 2005
Oct 2004*
Sep 2004*
Aug 2004*
Mar 2004*
Oct 2002*
Sep 2002*
Jun 2002*
Oct 2001*
Apr 2001*
Oct 2000*
Feb 2000*

Somewhat
favor
13%
12%
14%
14%
12%
12%
16%
12%
14%
15%
20%
15%
17%
16%
15%
15%
14%
19%
20%
16%
17%
19%
19%
20%
17%
18%
20%
14%
22%
18%
18%
19%

Somewhat
oppose
12%
8%
10%
10%
9%
9%
9%
13%
11%
10%
14%
12%
15%
15%
17%
14%
16%
17%
14%
13%
16%
19%
15%
15%
14%
15%
14%
11%
15%
14%
15%
11%

Strongly
oppose
33%
37%
32%
31%
31%
32%
24%
33%
30%
28%
23%
31%
26%
26%
28%
27%
27%
22%
20%
25%
23%
23%
20%
23%
21%
26%
29%
28%
24%
22%
22%
24%

*Question asked of registered respondents only

Hisp. Are you Hispanic or Latino, or not?
2%
98%

Yes
No

RACE. Which of the following categories best describes your racial background?
92%
8%

White
Non-white

22

Dont
know
5%
2%
5%
6%
5%
6%
5%
4%
3%
4%
3%
3%
3%
8%
6%
7%
6%
7%
8%
8%
6%
7%
8%
7%
7%
7%
9%
7%
6%
6%
9%
5%

REL. Do you consider yourself to be Protestant, Catholic, some other religion, or not affiliated with
any religion?
37%
31%
12%
19%

Protestant
Catholic
Some other religion
Not affiliated with any religion

BAC. Do you consider yourself to be a born-again Christian or fundamentalist, or not?

29%
70%
2%

Yes
No
Dont know

WORK. Are you currently working fulltime, part-time, going to school, keeping house or something
else?
38%
42%
9%
5%
2%
3%
1%

Full-time
Retired
Part-time
Keeping house
Unemployed
Disabled
Going to school

INCOME. And, just for statistical purposes, we need to know if your total family income is above or
below $50,000 per year?
13%
12%
13%
24%
13%
22%
5%

Under $25,000
$25-$35,000
$35-50,000
$50-75,000
$75-100,000
Over $100,000
Dont know

DONE. Sex of respondent:

48%
52%

Male
Female

23