Wisconsin Public Radio and St. Norbert College Strategic Research Institute Release the Spring 2014 “Wisconsin Survey”

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From St. Norbert College, April 9, 2014
by Mike Counter, mike.counter@snc.edu, 920-403-3089

Madison, Wis.: Wisconsin Public Radio and the St. Norbert College Strategic Research Institute today released the results of their semi-annual Wisconsin Survey. The Survey is a random telephone sample of 400 adult Wisconsin residents that asks their opinions on national and state government, economic and social issues including the economy and jobs, Wisconsin's upcoming gubernatorial race, personal finance, the minimum wage and marriage equality.

Dr. Wendy Scattergood, assistant professor of political science at St. Norbert College and associate at the Strategic Research Institute, provides a breakdown of the findings.

"In this survey we have more Republicans than Democrats, which is different," said Scattergood. In this survey 37% identified as Republicans, 32% as Democrats and 25% as Independents. "Wisconsin is truly a swing state and the way Independents lean is how the state will swing," she said.

Looking at the gubernatorial race 97% of Republicans said they would vote for Gov. Walker, as did 53% of Independents. "But, Independents are also more likely to change their minds because they are less committed to the party, so those numbers could change over time," said Scattergood.

The survey indicates that Wisconsinites are feeling more positive about the economy and overall support a raise in the minimum wage. "Compared to a year ago people are a lot more optimistic about their financial situation. Forty percent responded that they feel financially better off now than a year ago. Last spring it was 32%," said Scattergood.

On the question of minimum wage 86% of Democrats, 60% of Independents and 30% of Republicans support a $10.10 per hour wage. Although Republicans were less-likely to support the $10.10 minimum wage, 54% responded that the minimum wage should be raised to more than $7.25.

Opinions on social issues such as marijuana legalization, marriage equality, climate change and voter fraud reflected respondents' age, religiosity and political affiliation. "With many of these issues, it's up to those all-important Independents," said Scattergood.
Tune in to Wisconsin Public Radio Ideas Network programs The Joy Cardin Show and Central Time this week for experts, including Dr. Scattergood, and analysis of the survey results. Find complete Wisconsin Survey results online at WPR.org.
EDITOR'S NOTE: All references to this survey and results must be attributed to "The Wisconsin Survey from Wisconsin Public Radio and St. Norbert College's Strategic Research Institute.'" Contact Jeffrey Potter, WPR Marketing Director, at 608-890-3908 or jeffrey.potter@wpr.org.