FDU PublicMind - September 21, 2006 Release

Background Memo

The most recent poll by Fairleigh Dickinson University's PublicMind was conducted by telephone from September 14 through September 19 using a statewide, randomly selected sample of 651 registered voters in Delaware aged 18 and over. The sampling error for 651 adults is +/-4 percentage points at the 95 percent level of confidence. Survey results are also subject to non-sampling error. This kind of error, which cannot be measured, arises from a number of factors including, but not limited to, non-response (eligible individuals refusing to be interviewed), question wording, the order in which questions are asked, and variations among interviewers. All PublicMind interviews are conducted by TMR, Inc. of Cedar Knolls, NJ. using professional interviewers. Random selection >is achieved through computerized random-digit dialing. This technique gives every person with a phone number (including those with unlisted numbers) an equal chance of being selected.

The wording of the questions included in this release are as follows. For half of respondents, the first four questions (US-1-4) were asked BEFORE any questions about candidates or office holders. For the other half of respondents, the first four questions (US1-4) were asked after all questions about candidates or office holders.

Question US1: In your opinion, do you believe that the country is moving in the right direction or do you believe it has gotten off on the wrong track?

Question US2: In general, do you approve or disapprove of the way George W. Bush is handling his job as President?

Question US3: Now, turning to Iraq… How well is the U.S. military effort in Iraq going…?

Question US4: Considering everything, do you think the United States did the right thing in going to war with Iraq, or do you think it was a mistake?

Question: Have you heard of [rotate list]? If you haven't just tell me. [If yes, ask:] Do you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of …? Would that be very or somewhat?

Tom Carper
Jan Ting

Question: Later this year there will be an election for Delaware's U .S. Senator between Tom Carper, the Democrat and Jan Ting, the Republican? So far, how much have you heard or read about this race…[READ]?

Question: If the election for U.S. Senate were held right now, and you had to make a choice, which candidate would you vote for… or … ? [If choose ask: “Are you sure or might you change your mind?” If “unsure” ask:] Which way do you lean…or…?

Tom Carper, the Democrat
Jan Ting, the Republican

Question: Which candidate for Senate… or … is best described by…?

Honest, trustworthy
Understands the concerns of the average person
Has the background and experience to be a good US Senator