Survey: Money In Politics And The Presidential Race

1. Do you agree or disagree that there is too much big money in politics, and that wealthy special interests and their lobbyists control the public policy debate in Washington, DC?:*

Agree

Somewhat agree

Somewhat disagree

Disagree

Not sure/No opinion

2. Modeled on state Clean Elections systems, the Fair Elections Now Act in Congress would provide qualified candidates with a set amount of public money to run competitive campaigns. Candidates would also receive free or discounted television time. Campaign spending would be limited to what they receive from the program. Do you support the Fair Elections Now Act?:*

Yes, for both presidential and congressional elections

Yes, but for presidential elections only

Yes, but for congressional elections only

No, I do not support federal public campaign financing

Not sure/No opinion

3. Have you made a donation to a candidate for presidency or any other political office during this election?:*

Yes

Can't remember

For questions 4 through 6, please refer to the following information:

On the Democratic side of the presidential race, candidates Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) and Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) have both cosponsored bills in Congress for public financing of elections. As for this election, Sen. Clinton has said she would not participate in the presidential public financing system for this election. In Sen. Obama’s case, he initially expressed interest in doing so, and more recently has said he would try to negotiate an agreement with Sen. McCain if he becomes the Democratic nominee.

On the Republican side, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), has not cosponsored bills for public financing of elections during this Congress. Sen. McCain has, however, agreed to participate in the public financing system for the general election if his Democratic opponent agrees as well.

4. Is it more important to you that a presidential candidate make passing public financing a priority, or that they participate in the presidential public financing system in this election?:*

More important to make public financing a priority

More important to participate in current public financing system

Not sure/no opinion

5. Aside from what you think is more important, do you think that the parties’ nominees should participate in the presidential public financing system for the general election and not raise any additional private contributions?:*

Yes

Not sure/No opinion

6. Media reports cite that Sen. McCain has relied heavily on lobbyists to both fundraise for him and run his campaign. Other media reports have recounted his long history of fighting lobbyists. Do you believe Sen. McCain is too close to lobbyists?:*

Yes

Not Sure/No opinion