Findings From A Nationwide Survey of 800 Likely Voters 1726 M St., - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Findings From A Nationwide Survey of 800 Likely Voters 1726 M St., NW 201 N. Union Street Suite 500 Suite 410 Washington, DC 20036 Alexandria, VA 22314 Phone: 202-776-9066 Phone: 703-684-6688 Fax: 202-776-9074 Fax: 703-836-8256

• A strong majority of voters want to change the way elections are financed. They think the system is getting worse, and believe that Congress listens to contributors over voters. • Voters also very strongly agree that political contributions have played an important role in the lack of action on the most important domestic issues and the recent financial collapse. • The economy and jobs are at the forefront of voters’ minds, with other pocketbook issues adding to their worries. 2

• Voters support the proposal for public funding of Congressional elections by a 3-to-1 margin 67% to 20%. • Support is strong across the board. Even the least supportive demographic groups support the proposal by a 2-to-1 margin. • While voters like many components of the proposal, among their favorite elements is requiring small donations from the candidate’s home state. 3

• We have strong, powerful messages. Our top three messages are all more powerful than the most potent attack on the proposal. • Criticizing the fundraising game and the time Congress spends on fundraising is our strongest message and best counter to a priorities attack. • Opening up the process for qualified Americans with good ideas who can’t compete in money-driven elections is also a strong theme. • Voters are angry at the legalized bribery and pay-to- play that results from the current system, and they want change. 4

When it comes to the way we finance election campaigns, do you think we need to make major changes, minor changes, or should we not make any changes to the way election campaigns are financed, or aren’t you sure? 81% 5

Do you think the problems with our campaign finance system are getting worse, staying about the same, or getting better, or aren’t you sure? 6

The proposal enjoys broad support across partisan and demographic lines.

Generally speaking, do you favor or oppose this proposal to fund campaigns with small contributions and limited public funds, or don't you have an opinion on this? -Darker colors indicate intensity 8

Public Funding Proposal by Party 9

Would you feel more favorable toward a member of Congress who voted for this proposal, less favorable or wouldn’t it make a difference to you? -Darker colors indicate intensity 10

More Favorable Toward Candidate by Party 11

Initial Ballot Post Message Ballot -Darker colors indicate intensity 12

Please tell me whether you agree or disagree with this statement? Do you [agree/disagree] strongly or not so strongly? “I am worried that large political contributions “Large campaign contributions from the will prevent Congress from tackling the banking industry to members of Congress important issues facing America today, like the have resulted in lax oversight and have economic crisis, rising energy costs, reforming been a major factor in causing the current health care, and global warming.” financial crisis on Wall Street.” -Darker colors indicate intensity 13

[SPEND TIME FUNDRASING] Members of Congress spend too much time raising money for their next re- election and too little time solving the country’s problems. Congress has even cut their workweek short a whole day to give more time for fundraising. While Wall Street crashed, and our troops couldn’t get the equipment, pay, or benefits they needed, politicians were out fundraising. We need to get politicians out of the fundraising game so that they will do the job we elected them to do. % “Convincing” Positive Message Among Select Demographics -Darker colors indicate intensity 14

[WHO CAN RUN] It almost seems like a requirement that to run for office and win, a candidate needs to be very wealthy or know wealthy donors. But there are plenty of qualified Americans more like us, Americans with good ideas who can’t compete in today’s money-driven elections. We need to open up the process so we can elect those who are the most able, not just the best fundraisers. % “Convincing” Positive Message Among Select Demographics -Darker colors indicate intensity 15

[PAY TO PLAY] The name of the game in Washington is pay to play. We’ve had numerous stories of no-bid government contracts for companies who give millions to politicians. Just recently the governor of Illinois tried to cash in on his power to fill a Senate seat by seeking campaign contributions in exchange for the job —and he’s not the only one. The status quo is legalized bribery. We need to change that. % “Convincing” Positive Message Among Select Demographics -Darker colors indicate intensity 16