Maryland

Survey of 500 Likely Voters

Tuesday, January 10, 2006

1* Suppose that, in the race to become Maryland’s next United States Senator, Republicans nominate Michael Steele and Democrats nominate Ben Cardin. If the election were held today, would you vote for Republican Michael Steele or for Democrat Ben Cardin?

45%     Steele

                        40%     Cardin

                          5%     Some other candidate

                        11%     Not sure

See Crosstabs for this Question

2* Okay… what if the Democrats nominate Kweisi Mfume? If the election were held today, would you vote for Republican Michael Steele or for Democrat Kweisi Mfume?

45%     Steele

                        38%     Mfume

                          5%     Some other candidate

                        12%     Not sure

See Crosstabs for this Question

3* Now… thinking about the 2006 election for Governor, suppose that Republicans nominate Bob Ehrlich and Democrats nominate Martin O’Malley. If the election were held today, would you vote for Republican Bob Ehrlich or for Democrat Martin O’Malley?

47%     Ehrlich

42%     O’Malley                     

                          3%     Some other candidate

                          8%     Not sure

See Crosstabs for this Question

4* Fine… what if the Democrats nominate Doug Duncan? If the election were held today, would you vote for Republican Bob Ehrlich or for Democrat Doug Duncan?

50%     Ehrlich

41%     Duncan            

                          4%     Some other candidate

                          5%     Not sure

See Crosstabs for this Question

6* Changing topics... It is likely that a state constitutional amendment defining marriage as between one man and one woman will be on the November ballot. If the election were held today, would you vote for or against a state constitutional amendment that defines marriage as the union between one man and one woman and prohibits same-sex marriage?

                        54%     For

                        39%     Against

  8%     Not sure

7* Should same-sex couples be allowed to adopt children?

            50%     Yes

            38%     No

12%     Not sure

8* Should same-sex couples be allowed to receive the same benefits given to married couples?

54%     Yes

            37%     No

  8%     Not sure

9* Should same-sex couples be allowed to visit each other in hospitals, inherit their partner's property and make medical decisions on their partner's behalf?

76%     Yes

            18%     No

  6%     Not sure

            10* Okay…different topic… how would you rate President Bush’s handling of the US economy?

24%     Excellent

15%     Good

21%     Fair

38%     Poor

  1%     Not sure