All Posts Tagged With: "gasoline costs"

Gas Prices Become Top Issue

Forty-four percent (44%) of Democrats think Clinton should be named as Obama’s Vice Presidential running mate. That’s down from 51% immediately after Obama clinched the nomination. Just 24% of unaffiliated voters think Clinton should be on the ticket while 52% disagree. Just 37% of all voters nationwide think that Hillary Clinton wants Barack Obama to win the White House this November. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that 33% disagree and say that Clinton does not want an Obama victory. Thirty percent (30%) are not sure.

Sixty-five percent (65%) of voters want the feds government to get “actively involved in efforts to reduce the price of gas and oil.” The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey also found that 58% believe the most effective way is to provide financial incentives that will encourage private companies to find solutions. Just half as many (30%) believe that it would be more effective for the government to conduct its own research for developing alternative energy sources.

By a 70% to 20% margin, Republicans believe that providing incentives to private companies is the most effective approach. Democrats are more divided on the question, but 50% of those agree with the Republicans while 38% disagree and believe that government conducted research would be more effective. Unaffiliated voters, by a 54% to 30% margin, also agree that providing incentives for private companies is the way to go.

McCain’s call for a $5,000 tax credit for those who buy zero-carbon emission cars is favored by 44% and opposed by 39Only 31% of Republicans support this approach while 54% are opposed. Democrats favor the concept by a two-to-one margin. A narrow plurality of unaffiliated voters are also supportive.

McCain’s proposed $300 million prize to whoever can develop an automobile battery that would leapfrog existing technology and reduce dependence on foreign oil is favored by 51% and opposed by 33%. Including 50% of Republicans, 48% of Democrats, and 58% of those not affiliated with either major party who support it.

When survey participants were asked about these proposals, John McCain’s name was not mentioned and they were not identified with any candidate or political party. When his name is attached Democrats say they are opposed; Republicans and unaffiliated voter opinon doesn’t change.

Barack Obama has called for increased regulation of energy traders and speculators. That approach is supported by 47% of voters and opposed by 21%. Just 39% of Republicans like the idea along with 51% of Democrats and 52% of unaffiliated voters. As with the McCain proposals, Obama’s name was not mentioned in the question about regulating traders and speculators.

An earlier survey found that 62% favor drilling for offshore oil, 56% favor spending $150 billion to develop renewable green energy resources, and 51% agree with McCain on the need for more nuclear plants. Another survey found that just 47% oppose nationalizing the oil companies and only 52% believe oil companies should be allowed to keep profits from the development of alternative energy sources. Both Californians and Floridians favor offshore drilling.

Since gas prices have topped $4 a gallon, energy topics have become a central issue for Election 2008. McCain and Obama remain in a virtual dead heat with Obama ahead in likely Electoral College votes.