Background Memo and Tables

see also:
Survey Analysis
Tabular Results
Survey Details
Republican Response
Democratic Response

The most recent survey by Fairleigh Dickinson University's PublicMind was conducted by telephone from April 3 through April 10 using a randomly selected statewide sample of 802 registered voters aged 18 and over. The sampling error for 802 adults is +/- 3.5 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. PublicMind interviews are conducted by TMR, Inc. of Parsippany, NJ. Professionally trained interviewers use a CATI (Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing) System. Random selection >is achieved by computerized random-digit dialing. This technique gives every person with a phone number (including those with unlisted numbers) an equal chance of being selected. Registered voters are screened through a series of questions. Results are mathematically weighted to match known demographics.

Question: In your opinion, do you think things in New Jersey are moving in the right direction or do you think the state has gotten off on the wrong track?

Question: How would you rate the job Jim McGreevey is doing as governor—excellent, good, only fair, or poor? 

Question: Do you think that James McGreevey has done a good enough job as governor to deserve reelection or would you rather see a new person in that job? 

Question: How would you rate the job the state legislature in Trenton is doing is doing—excellent, good, only fair, or poor? 

Question: Now I’d like to ask you a few questions about the New Jersey State budget. How much have you heard or read about the governor’s proposed state budget for the coming year?

Question: In order to raise money a number of proposals have been discussed. For each of these proposals, can you tell me whether you think it’s a good idea or a bad idea?

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Increasing the transfer tax on houses sold for over $150,000?

Borrowing one and a half billion dollars for next year’s budget and then paying it back over twenty years from a higher cigarette tax and new surcharges on unsafe driving? 

A 90 cents per month fee on cell phones

A one percent tax on new houses selling for more than $1million?

A higher-tax rate for those who make more than 500,000 dollars a year?

Now in order to balance the budget, some people say…. Others say…. to balance the budget. Which position comes closest to your view?

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… the state should hold the line on spending

the state should just borrow the money…

Now about taxes, some people say…. Others say…. Which position comes closest to your view?

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Question: Who or what do you think is most responsible for the budget deficit…[rotate] ?

Question: Now, thinking about property taxes… Do you expect property taxes where you live to increase this year, decrease, or stay about the same?... a little or a lot?

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Question: Who do you think is most responsible for the level of property taxes in your town…?

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Question: The governor has proposed increasing the amount of money the state gives to towns and schools. Do you think your town will use the money mostly… or…?

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Question: Taking everything into account, do you think the budget Gov. McGreevey has proposed is good for New Jersey or bad for New Jersey?