Markell, Carney have solid job approval ratings
A wide-ranging poll of fewer than 800 voters from Fairleigh Dickenson University in New Jersey and the News Journal shows statewide races drawing yawns and voters relatively satisfied with the way things are going.
The PublicMind poll finds that barely a third of registered voters are following the upcoming races for the state’s sole House of Representatives seat (33 percent ) and the governor’s race (36 percent). Both seats are open as Gov. Jack Markell faces term limits and Cong. John Carney is running for Markell’s slot.
Click here for the full findings from the poll
In the Democratic primary for the state’s House seat, about half of those registered say they are undecided among candidates vying to represent their party in September. Lisa Blunt Rochester and Bryan Townsend are tied among registered Democrats, with 11 percent support each. Mike Miller (9 percent), Scott Walker (6 percent ) and Sean Barney (4 percent) are all in the single digits.
On the Republican side, 55 percent despite the fact that little-known Hans Reigle is the only declared candidate. Reigle attracts the support of about a quarter of voters with 14 percent saying they intend to support “someone else.”
“The uncertainty of whom to support, coupled with the minimal interest in the House race, means things remain wide open as we head into the fall,” said Krista Jenkins, director of PublicMind and professor of political science at Fairleigh Dickinson University. “All of the candidates have a great opportunity to define themselves to voters, assuming they can first get their attention.”
Carney has strong advantage
In the race for governor, outgoing Carney has a strong advantage on the Democratic side, with 67 percent intending to support him. Still, 23 percent say they remain uncertain about whom to support.
Carney’s has a 57 percent approval rating. It’s a closer race on the Republican side, although large numbers also say they’re unsure about who should represent their party in November. State Senator Colin Bonini attracts the support of 29 percent, with retired Delaware State Police Officer Lacey Lafferty (22 percent) not far behind.
“As with the House seat, Republicans will face an uphill battle at the gubernatorial level given the state’s preponderance of self-identified Democrats. But there’s still a lot of room for both Bonini and Lafferty to connect with their base and define themselves in opposition to Carney,” said Jenkins.
The mood of the electorate toward state leaders and institutions is more positive than negative. Almost six-in-10 approve of the job Governor Jack Markell is doing with a quarter saying they disapprove of his job performance.
Solid job approval ratings for Carney, Markell
Markell is solidly favored by Democrats (72 percent) and independents (61 percent), with a third of Republicans (38 percent ) giving him a favorable rating and around the same number dissatisfied with his leadership.
The Democratic-controlled Legislature gets a 49 percent approval rating.
“Although support for both Markell and the Legislature is not overwhelming, even their natural opponents – Republicans – are more divided than united in their opinions of both institutions,” said Jenkins.
Over half say the state is headed in the right direction, with 38 percent saying it’s headed down the wrong track. Partisan differences prevail, with 60 percent of Republicans expressing concern and 67 percent of Democrats satisfied with how things are going.
Biggest challenges facing state
As for what poses the greatest challenge to the state – the economy, crime, access to health care, or stagnant wages – greatest concern is expressed for crime (35 percent ) and the economy (28 percent ). Fewer identify health care (14 percent ) and stagnant wages (17 percent ). The economy is of greater concern among Republicans (39 percent ) than Democrats (20 percent ), among men (34 percent ) than women (22 percent ) and among whites (31 percent ) than non-whites (21 percent ). And worry over crime resonates more with Democrats (41 percent ) than Republicans (33 percent), and among women (39 percent ) than men (31 percent).
“Crime and the economy are basic security issues. It’s hard to feel secure if you think the economy is floundering and your safety isn’t secure. Still, the fact that no single issue stands out among a majority of voters suggests policymakers have their work cut out for them in addressing the variety of problems of concern to their constituents,” said Jenkins.
The same survey also asked about issues facing Delaware. Strong support exists for increasing the state’s minimum wage to $10.25 from its current $8.25. Three-quarters (73 percent ) of voters say they favor the increase, with widespread support across a variety of demographic groupsMore than half of Republicans support the hourly wage increase.
As for what to do about sand erosion on Delaware’s beaches, opinion is divided over federal spending as a remedy. Half are in favor (49 percent ) with slightly fewer opposed (41 percent ). Beach replenishment and the use of taxpayer funds to assist private landowners in erosion-prone areas has been an ongoing and contentious issue.
Although Delaware’s roads and bridges are in need of significant repair, there’s little appetite in the state to pay more in tolls and taxes. A quarter favor more in tolls, with similar numbers in favor of an increased gas tax from its current 23 cents per gallon.
There is stronger support for the use of reserve funds by the state government to address deficiencies in Delaware’s road and bridge infrastructure. 41 percent favor this avenue, and it is the most attractive among a variety of demographic groups considered.
The state keeps a reserve fund. However, using that fund would lower the state’s debt rating and increase borrowing costs.
