Background Memo  

All interviews were conducted by telephone by professionally trained interviewers using a CATI (Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing system). Respondents in statewide surveys were identified by random digit dialing (RDD). Respondents in Clean Elections legislative districts were identified through registered voter lists (RVL). Sampling error at the 95% level of confidence (MoE) as well as the interview dates and sample sizes for the various populations are as follows:

Survey results are also subject to non-sampling error. This kind of error, which cannot be measured, arises from many 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 in the technique and demeanor of interviewers.

How much of the time do you think you can trust the state legislature in Trenton to do what is right?

• Just about always
• Most of the time
• Some of the time
• None of the time

How concerned are you that people who give money to campaigns might influence the state legislature after the election? Are you...

• Very concerned
• Somewhat concerned
• Not concerned at all

As you may or may not know, the state is applying new, experimental campaign finance rules to elections in two Assembly districts. How much have you heard or read about this Clean Elections legislation?

• Quite a lot
• Some
• Just a little
• Nothing at all

How confident are you that public financing of campaigns will reduce the influence of large donors in the political process? Are you…

• Very confident
• Somewhat confident
• Not confident at all

And what about the [race for state legislature]? How much have you heard or read so far about the [races for state legislature] in the district where you live?*

• Quite a lot
• Some
• Just a little
• Nothing at all

In the past month, have you received information about [the state legislative races in your district] in any of the following ways:*

• Campaign ads in the mail
• Radio or TV ads
• News or advertising on an Internet web site
• An article or articles in the newspaper

In general, would you say that the campaign for [State Legislature] where you live has focused more on the candidates’ issue positions or the personal characteristics of the candidates?*

• The candidates’ issue positions
• The personal characteristics of the candidates

see also:
Survey Analysis
Tabular Results