KAET-ASU Poll

EMBARGOED UNTIL TUESDAY MAY 21, 2002 AT 7:00 p.m.
(For information contact Dr. Bruce D. Merrill at 480-965-7051)

KAET POLL:

TERRORISM CONSIDERED MOST SERIOUS PROBLEM FACING AMERICA;

EDUCATION, THE COMING FIRE SEASON, AND FUNDING STATE GOVERNMENT MOST CONCERN ARIZONANS;

MOST VOTERS WOULD SUPPORT A SMOKING BAN SIMILAR TO THE ONE BEING CONSIDERED BY TEMPE;

THIS YEAR'S GUBERNATORIAL RACE COULD BE VERY CLOSE

A telephone poll of 423 registered voters living in Arizona, conducted between May 16 and May 19, 2002 by KAET-TV and the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University, found that almost one-third (31%) of Arizona's voters feel terrorism is the major problem facing the nation. Voters were also concerned about the state of education (12%) and the declining moral fabric of America (12%). At the state level, most voters are concerned about education (21%), the dryness and upcoming fire season (14%), and funding the state budget (11%).

The poll also found that a majority of registered voters (56%) would support a ban on smoking in restaurants and public places similar to the one being voted on in Tempe in the area where they live. Thirty-seven percent were opposed and 7% were undecided. Voters in the rural counties of Arizona were considerably more supportive of the smoking ban (67%) than those living in Maricopa (52%) and Pima Counties (51%). Interestingly, almost one-fourth (24%) of those who smoke favor the ban while almost one-third of those who don't smoke (29%) oppose it.

The survey also measured voters feelings about the upcoming governor's race. A race in November between Democrat Janet Napolitano (36%) and Republican Matt Salmon (33%) is now virtually a "dead heat". Six percent (6%) said they would vote for potential independent candidate Dick Mahoney and 25% were undecided. A race between Napolitano (36%) and Betsey Bayless (25%) could also prove to be close. In this contest, 9% favored Dick Mahoney and 30% were undecided. Napolitano does well against her potential Republican challengers because she splits the vote in Maricopa County, leads in the rural counties, and does well with women voters.

The sampling error for the 423 voters interviewed was plus or minus 4.8%. Forty-three percent (43%) of those interviewed in the statewide sample were Republican, 36% Democrat, and 21% independents or "others." Fifty-six percent (56%) lived in Maricopa County, 17% in Pima, and 27% in counties other than Maricopa or Pima Counties.

Q1: We would like to know what you think is the most important problem facing America today?

Q2: What do you think is the most important problem facing the State of Arizona today?

Q3: If the race for governor next year is between (rotate order) Republican Matt Salmon, Democrat Janet Napolitano, and Independent Dick Mahoney, who would you probably vote for?

Q4: If the election for governor is between (rotate order) Republican Betsey Bayless, Democrat Janet Napolitano, and Independent Dick Mahoney, who would you probably vote for?

Q5: On a different topic, this month voters in Tempe will vote on a proposition which would ban smoking in bars, restaurants, bowling alleys, and other public places, and would also require businesses to have special ventilation systems. It would also prevent vending machine tobacco sales. Would you support or oppose a similar measure where you live?

Q6: When you go to a public facility, does the smoking policy of that establishment affect your choice frequently, occasionally, rarely or never?

KAET-TV is a part of Arizona State University