P-base Poll Results Are In

The results of the Montana Chamber's 2008 Legislative Power-base poll are in, and they show the strongest support yet from voters for business in the history of the poll.

The Power Base (P-Base) is an annual scientific poll of 600 Montana voters on a variety of business and political issues with a 4.1% margin of error. The poll has been commissioned by the Montana Chamber of Commerce since 1991 to determine what regular Montanans think about important economic issues facing our state. This poll was conducted November 11-14, 2008.

ECONOMY & LEGISLATURE

Voters are very positive about the direction of Montana’s economy. 55% of voters believe the state’s economy is on the right track, as opposed to 31% who think we are on the wrong track. These numbers are very similar to the last two years, which means most Montanans are optimistic about our state. That may change in the coming months, but for now that's good news. Conversely, they are very negative about the direction of the nation. 81% said the national economy is on the wrong track.

The P-Base is also good opportunity to see what financial concerns are on the minds of voters. For the third straight year, health care costs continue to be a top concern at 24% and higher energy costs come in second at 15%. Additionally, job creation and increased wages are the top priority for the next legislative session at 31%. Put this together with the 19% who cited development and business growth and you get a full 50% of those surveyed who mention economic issues as their top legislative priority. All other concerns were in the single digits.

ENERGY & NATURAL RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

As in prior surveys, the P-Base shows Montanans want to see more business growth, especially in high-wage businesses like the natural resource industries. For example, a record 75% of Montana voters want the state to encourage more timber, mining, oil & gas development while only 14% are opposed. 63% believe Montana’s environment is currently well protected with existing laws. Additionally, a strong 76% favor new development of coal-powered electrical generation to provide more long-term, low-cost energy for the state.

LABOR ISSUES

Strong majorities of voters believe businesses can be trusted to make important decisions in treating workers fairly when it comes to benefits, hiring & firing employees 63% to 23%.

Additionally, the poll asked about an issue that’s bound to be very controversial in 2009. When asked if they would support Congressional action to take away a worker’s right to a secret ballot in a union election (a provision in the so-called “Employee Free Choice Act”), an overwhelming 77% of Montana voters said no, while only 14% supported it.

GOOD GOVERNMENT REFORMS

The P-Base also regularly tests opinions on a variety of good government issues. This time, the Montana Chamber asked whether state government should be required by law to analyze the impacts of new laws and rules to small businesses. An overwhelming 70% said “yes.” In addition, a decisive 94% believe that all state and local government officials should be required to report all of their lobbying expenses just like other lobbyists.

I will share more results of the poll over the next month leading up to the legislative session. Stay tuned.

Comments

[goof houlihan]

"For example, a record 75% of Montana voters want the state to encourage more timber, mining, oil & gas development while only 14% are opposed. 63% believe Montana’s environment is currently well protected with existing laws. Additionally, a strong 76% favor new development of coal-powered electrical generation to provide more long-term, low-cost energy for the state."

How do we elect people who reflect those views? Because we sure haven't lately.

[Jon Bennion]

@ goof

Good observation. I believe there are around 75% of the candidates that run on increasing development of our natural resources and who say they are in favor of coal development. Once elected, not all those people really represent those values. It's two different things really. We need to hold those people accountable who run on development and then smack it down when their in office.

These numbers are fairly consistent with what we've seen over the past few years, but I think they increased this past time after the latest energy crisis. People want to be energy independent, and they want it through more American sources of energy.