Petri Releases Poll Results
Jul 25, 2012 Issues: Defense and National Security, Economy and Jobs, Energy, Environment, Federal Budget, Social Security Reform, Tax Reform
Nearly 73 percent of 6th Congressional residents think the federal government is "mostly hurting" private sector job creation according to a poll released by Rep. Tom Petri. Only 27 percent say Washington is "mostly helping" job creation.
Nearly 61 percent of respondents want to balance the federal budget through spending cuts while seven percent call for raising taxes and 30 percent say Congress should do both.
The president's health care law is unpopular, with nearly 64 percent of respondents supporting repealing and replacing the law, and 29 percent opposing the repeal of "Obamacare."
"This is not what's called a 'scientific' poll," Petri explained. "My questionnaire was in my spring newsletter, and constituents had to decide for themselves whether to respond. That means I heard from those who are most concerned about public policy and are motivated to do something about it."
Over 80 percent support building the Keystone pipeline from Canada which President Obama is blocking. "I think the President should re-think that one," Petri said. "The overwhelming majority of responding 6th District residents are in favor of growing the economy rather than regulating the life out of it."
Petri's 2012 questionnaire results follow:
1. Are current federal government policies mostly helping or hurting private sector job creation?
A. Mostly helping 27.1%
B. Mostly hurting 72.9%
2. Should we stick with the current 2014 date for withdrawal from Afghanistan? Should we keep substantial numbers of troops there until the Afghan military can take over? Or should we get out faster than 2014?
A. Stick to the 2014 date 30.0%
B. Stay - don't set timelines 30.2%
C. Get out faster 39.8%
3. In balancing the federal budget, which do you favor?
A. Spending Cuts 60.7%
B. Raising Taxes 7.4%
C. Both 30.2%
D. None 1.8%
4. Do you support tax reform that would reduce tax rates but also reduce or eliminate many tax deductions?
A. Yes 72.6%
B. No 27.4%
5. The U.S. has recently completed trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia and others which lower trade barriers for our exports to those countries and for our imports from them. Which approach to international trade more closely represents your viewpoint?
A. We should support free global trade with few tariffs on imports and exports 32.5%
B. We should protect domestic industries from foreign competitors 54.0%
C. Other 13.5%
6. Do you support or oppose efforts to repeal and replace the President's health care law?
A. Support repeal and replace 63.8%
B. Oppose repeal 28.6%
C. Unsure 7.6%
7. Recently, the Obama administration and five Great Lakes states reached agreement on procedures for review and approval of wind farms in the Great Lakes. Wisconsin has not signed the agreement. Do you support or oppose offshore wind farms in the Great Lakes?
A. Support 62.0%
B. Oppose 38.0%
8. Do you support construction of the Keystone pipeline, which would bring crude oil from Canada to refineries in the U.S.?
A. Yes 80.1%
B. No 19.9%
9. Social Security revenues must be brought into line with benefits. To keep Social Security solvent, which approach more closely represents your views?
A. Limit the growth of benefits 9.6%
B. Raise Social Security taxes on all workers 3.6%
C. Raise the cap on income which can be taxed (currently $110,100) 31.0%
D. Some combination of the above 45.2%
E. Other 10.7%
10. The costs of Medicare are rising at an unsustainable rate. Do you support reforming the program for those under age 55?
A. Yes 75.4%
B. No 24.6%
