KTUU.com | Alaska's news and information source | Poll finds waning support for Stevens, Young
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by Steve MacDonald
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- A new public opinion poll shows Gov. Sarah Palin continues to receive high marks from Alaska voters.
The Hays Research Group of Anchorage conducted its latest survey just last week, talking to 401 voters across the state.
While the results are good news for Palin, they may contain some warning signs for two other Alaska politicians.
According to the survey, just over 80 percent of those asked said they have a positive opinion of Palin.
A breakdown of the numbers showed 53 percent felt very positive about the governor, while 28 percent rate her somewhat positive. On the flip side, a mere five percent gave her negative marks.
The Hays poll also contained good news for Anchorage's mayor Mark Begich.
According to the results, 26 percent of the poll respondents gave a positive rating to Begich and 21 percent felt somewhat positive about the Democrat.
The results indicated that 21 percent of respondents said they were neutral about the mayor, indicating that many living outside of Southcentral are unfamiliar with him.
The poll contains some worrisome news for two long-time Alaska politicians.
Sen. Ted Stevens, the senior member of Alaska's congressional delegation, received a 46 percent positive rating, while 36 percent see him in a negative light.
But, when asked the likelihood of voting for the Republican senator given the recent corruption investigations, 15 percent responded they were likely to vote for Stevens, while 39 percent indicated they were unlikely to support him. Another 40 percent said the investigation makes no difference in their opinion of Stevens.
There may also be some warning signs for Rep. Don Young. His negative responses at 41 percent slightly outweigh his positives responses at 40 percent.
When the corruption probe is factored in, 38 percent said it's unlikely they'll vote for Young in the next election. Only 13 percent said they would likely vote for the congressman. Of the respondents, 42 percent said the investigation makes no difference in how they'll vote.
The November 2008 general elections are still a long way away, but both Young and Stevens have indicated they are running for re-election, despite ongoing federal investigations.
The group said its poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.9 percent.
Contact Steve MacDonald at smacdonald@ktuu.com
