FDU PublicMind - August 16, 2004 Release

Background Memo

The most recent survey by Fairleigh Dickinson University's PublicMind was conducted by telephone from August 13 through August 15 using a randomly selected sample of 500 registered voters statewide aged 18 and over. The sampling error for 500 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. 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.

The wording and order of questions referred to in this release were as follows:

Question NJ1: Now, thinking about New Jersey… 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 NJ2: 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?

Question NJ3: On Thursday, Governor McGreevey announced that he is a gay American and that he had an extramarital affair with a man and that he would resign as governor as of November 15^th. How much have you heard or read about this issue…?

Question NJ4: Do you think that, under the circumstances,… or do you think…

the governor should have resigned
it wasn't necessary to resign

Question NJ5: Regardless of what you may think about his resignation, do you think Governor McGreevey had been doing a good enough job to deserve reelection or would you rather have seen a new person in that job?

Question NJ6: In your opinion, what is the main reason the Governor resigned?

Because he's gay
Because of his extramarital affair
corruption/scandal related
other reasons

Question NJ7: According to the New Jersey state constitution, if the governor resigns he is succeeded by the president of the state Senate who is Richard Cody. Before now, have you heard of Richard Cody? [If yes:] Do you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of him? Would that be very or somewhat?

Question NJ8: Governor McGreevey said his resignation becomes effective about three months from now on November 15 after the Presidential election. Do you think ….

that's the right date for his resignation
that he should have resigned immediately