More than half of likely voters believe it's time to give a new representative a chance in their congressional district, according to the latest George Washington University Battleground Poll.
The survey of 1,011 registered, likely voters nationwide presented questions about the upcoming State of the Union and midterm elections. Fifty-four percent of those polled said they'd rather give a new person a chance in Congress than keep their incumbent representative in office. More than 55 percent of respondents strongly believe the nation is on the wrong track.
“2013 certainly took a toll on the public's view of Washington,” GW Professor of Political Management Chris Arterton said. “Performance ratings are down across the board and a general sense of discouragement has set in.”
Seventy-nine percent of those polled believe income inequality to be either a major problem or somewhat of a problem. But when asked how to best provide methods to tackle this issue, the country is divided: 45 percent of those polled believe tax relief and deregulation will best help Americans move up economically; 43 percent want to close the gap between the wealthiest citizens and the rest of the country.
Income inequality has been a top priority for the White House. President Obama spent some of his 2012 State of the Union address on the topic. The administration unveiled its first series of “promise zones” last week. These are pockets of the country that will receive comprehensive federal assistance after being hit hard by the recession.
"Democrats have the chance to drive a powerful contrast now and in the coming months," said Celinda Lake, president of Lake Research Partners. "Candidates must promote a vision that centers on economic fairness, jobs and opportunity for America's hardworking middle class while also aggressively defining Republicans in Congress for their reckless disregard for those same middle-class families -- and our economy."
The federal deficit, jobs and the economy continue to be the most pressing topics for most Americans. More than 90 percent of those polled believed the three were either very important or somewhat important issues President Obama should address in the State of the Union. The December jobs report represented the slowest pace of growth in nearly three years, with only 74,000 jobs added to the economy. Earlier this month, the Senate and House passed a $1.1 trillion omnibus bill that will keep the government running until the fall.
“The public is clearly focused on jobs and the economy,” Dr. Arterton said, “and doesn't feel that the politicians are addressing their issues.”
Fifty-six percent of those polled think the nation needs to hear a list of detailed policy proposals to address its problems during the State of the Union, rather than an inspirational speech that will unite the country. The president's job approval rating is 41 percent; congressional approval is at 14 percent. Unfavorables for the Affordable Care Act rose to 56 percent, up from 53 percent in the October 2013 GW Battleground Poll.
“Since our October 2013 Battleground Poll, the shaky rollout of Obamacare has continued and the nation's economy has continued to limp along with employment of the adult workforce at a 38-year low,” said Ed Goeas, president/CEO of the Tarrance Group. “This has led likely voters to continue to hold remarkably negative views about the political environment and their political leaders, especially the current administration.”
For complete results please visit www.gwu.edu/battleground-poll.