Mass. Voters Say No to Tax Repeal, Yes to Pot, Maybe to Dogs

Suffolk University/7NEWS Poll Shows Voters Forecasting Higher
Taxes
BOSTON--(Business Wire)--
A majority of Massachusetts voters oppose Ballot Question #1,
which would reduce and ultimately eliminate the state income tax,
according to a new survey conducted by Suffolk University/7NEWS.

Fifty-nine percent would vote "no" on the measure, 26 percent
favor it, and 14 percent were undecided. The opposition has grown
dramatically since an August poll showed the "no" side prevailing by
only 14 points, 50 percent to 36 percent.

"The recent television and radio ad buys from the "No on 1"
campaign have made a significant impact on the electorate," said David
Paleologos, director of the Political Research Center at Suffolk
University. "The margin was much closer back in August when no ads
were running."

Question #2 -- the decriminalization of marijuana -- earns 51
percent support, while 32 percent oppose it, and 16 percent were
undecided. Although this question enjoys a 19 percent advantage, the
lead has diminished significantly from the near-50 percent margin
found in the August poll. Many district attorneys and law enforcement
officials have mobilized behind the "no" side, closing the gap
somewhat. The proposed law would replace the criminal penalties for
possession of up to one ounce of marijuana to a civil penalty of
forfeiture of the marijuana and a fine of $100.

"The 'no' side has gained momentum over the past two months," said
Paleologos. "The issue is whether the brass and blue will be able to
move enough additional voters to their side in twelve days."

Question #3, which would, prohibit any type of dog racing in
Massachusetts that entailed wagering on the speed or ability of the
dog, won support from 44 percent of voters polled, while 43 percent
opposed, and 13 percent were undecided.

"This question will literally come right down to the wire," said
Paleologos. "In August the anti-dog-racing side had the edge, but now
it looks like we're headed for a photo finish."

On the state budget front, voters are bracing for an increase in
taxes to help solve the budget crisis. When voters were asked if they
thought the state would have to raise taxes to deal with the fiscal
problems, 59 percent said yes, 28 percent no, and 12 percent were
undecided.

Although he is personally popular (57 percent favorable - 23
percent unfavorable), Gov. Deval Patrick was given an average rating
for his performance during the budget crisis. Fifty-three percent
graded him average, 18 percent below average, and 16 percent above
average.

In the presidential race, Democrat Barack Obama enjoys a 19-point
lead over Republican nominee John McCain in Massachusetts. Obama was
the choice of 53 percent of respondents, while McCain secured 34
percent and independent Ralph Nader 3 percent. Constitution Party
candidate Chuck Baldwin, Libertarian Bob Barr and Green Party
candidate Cynthia McKinney each captured 1 percent. Seven percent were
undecided.

In the U.S. Senate race, incumbent Democratic Sen. John Kerry (56
percent) is crushing Republican opponent Jeffrey Beatty (19 percent)
and Libertarian Robert Underwood (6 percent), with 18 percent
undecided.

The Suffolk University/7NEWS poll was conducted Monday, Oct. 20,
2008, through Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2008. The margin of error on the
study of 400 is +/- 4.9 percent at a 95 percent level of confidence.
All respondents from the statewide survey were registered voters form
all parties in Massachusetts. Marginals and 135 pages of
cross-tabulation data will be posted on the Suffolk University
Political Research Center Web site - www.suffolk.edu/college/1450.html
-- on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2008. For more information, contact David
Paleologos at 781-290-9310.

Suffolk University, located on Boston's historic Beacon Hill, with
campuses in Madrid and Dakar, Senegal (Africa), is a comprehensive
global institution distinguished by its teaching and the intellectual
contributions of its faculty. Suffolk offers a wide range of
undergraduate and graduate programs in more than 70 areas of study.
Its mission is to provide quality education at a reasonable cost for
students of all ages and backgrounds, with strong emphasis on
diversity.

Suffolk University
Mariellen Norris, 617-573-8450
mnorris@suffolk.edu
or
Greg Gatlin, 617-573-8428
ggatlin@suffolk.edu

Copyright Business Wire 2008