Response to Energy Poll by Stephen Salmore

One of the most interesting findings of this poll is that some people in the country think that energy is a major problem for other states but not necessarily for their own state. Others think it is a problem for their state but not so much for the nation. This suggests there is no consensus on whether this should be dealt with at the national level or the state level.

It also suggests that the debate between Republicans and Democrats over the nature of federalism -- the relationship between the federal government and the states -- is still a current one. In this energy issue we are seeing Democrats wanting to federalize the energy problem and impose a national solution. Meanwhile, Republicans have been cautious and reluctant to impose federal solutions on what are essentially state and regional problems. Thus, we are in the process of arguing the nature of federalism even while we are in the midst of this energy debate.

see also:
Larson's Analysis
Thigpen's Analysis
Tabular Results
Survey Details

Comment by Fairleigh Dickinson University Research Professor of Political Science, Stephen Salmore (Ph.D., Princeton University). Steve specializes in both national and New Jersey politics and presently operates Raritan Associates, Inc. He is a co-founder of the Eagleton Poll and co-author of Parties, Elections and Campaigns and New Jersey Government and Politics.

Dr. Stephen Salmore can be reached at 973-292-3633