If you ask voters in New Hampshire who is to blame for the current government shutdown in Washington, a clear majority believe the Republicans in Congress are responsible. In a poll of 1063 registered voters last week by New England College (NEC) in Henniker, the results show 49 percent blame the GOP and 30 percent blame the President for the ongoing gridlock. Fully 16 percent blame sides equally. NEC polled voters in a telephone survey between October 7 and 9.
When asked about their opinion regarding the work of the Tea Party, 49 percent disapproved of the group, while 40 percent said they approve of the group, for an overall -9 percent rating. The President’s approval rating was 55 percent to 42 percent in support of the job he is doing, for an overall +13 percent. “We have long known that people are frustrated with what is going on in Washington, but our numbers show where that frustration is aimed,” said Ben Tafoya, director of the poll. “The NEC poll shows voters lay blame at the feet of Republicans. As we transition into an election year, there has yet to be any sign of a republican wave of support for the mid-terms.”
The NEC Poll also reports that 58 percent of Granite Staters support the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. And 38 percent of those polled said they disapprove of the program, with 5 percent unsure. The margin of error is 3 percent.
“It is early, and there is plenty of time for shifts in voter opinion, but right now, the momentum rests with one party,” said Wayne Lesperance, director of the Center of Civic Engagement at NEC. “Republicans may need to regroup and redefine their mission going forward, as they work to present a clear alternative to the President and fellow democrats.”
Current Issue - May 2024