FDU PublicMind - October 5, 2003 Survey

Background Memo

The most recent survey by Fairleigh Dickinson University's PublicMind was conducted by telephone from September 24 through September 30 using a randomly selected statewide sample of 810 registered voters aged 18 and over. The sampling error for 810 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.

The wording of the questions included in this release are as follows:

Question: This November in New Jersey there will be an election for the state legislature. In this year’s election for state assembly and state senate do you think you’ll be voting for the Democratic or Republican candidates?

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

Question: If you knew that a candidate was a strong supporter of Governor McGreevey, would that make you more or less likely to vote for that candidate?

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

Question: By the way, do you know which party the Governor belongs to?

Question: Do you happen to know which party has a majority in New Jersey’s State Assembly?

Question: Which party, the Democrats or Republicans, does a better job….[rotate list] ?
Controlling spending
Controlling taxes
Dealing with suburban sprawl/ overdevelopment
Dealing with auto insurance
Protecting the environmentUpholding ethical standards
Providing security from terror attacks

Question: Which of these issues we just talked about do you think should be the top priority in the coming year for the governor and legislature?
Controlling spending
Controlling taxes
Dealing with suburban sprawl/ overdevelopment
Dealing with auto insurance
Protecting the environment
Upholding ethical standards
Providing security from terror attacks

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: The state of California is holding a referendum in a few weeks asking voters whether the governor of that state should be recalled. How much have you heard or read about the California recall

Question: New Jersey currently has a recall procedure that makes it difficult to recall the governor. Do you think New Jersey should have a procedure that makes it easier to recall the governor—or should we leave it alone?