FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASENews from Progress Michigan
February 5, 2021
Contact: Sam Inglot, 616-916-0574, sam@progressmichigan.org
New Poll: Michiganders are Fed Up with the MIGOP
Monthly newsletter examines voter attitudes on COVID policies, political figures
MICHIGAN – On Friday, Progress Michigan released the latest issue of Lake Effect, a recurring research newsletter that tracks voters’ views on various policy issues and political figures in Michigan.
“Michiganders are absolutely fed up with the Michigan Republican Party—and for good reason,” said Lonnie Scott, Executive Director of Progress Michigan. “Over the past year, Republican lawmakers have openly associated with right-wing extremists, spread countless lies about our election system, and refused to do their job of protecting public health during this pandemic. Meanwhile, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, AG Dana Nessel, and SOS Jocelyn Benson are doing the best they can to protect our health and our democracy during these difficult times. Our state deserves better than what the Michigan Republican Party is offering, and the people of Michigan know it.”
Full results are available here, but some of the main takeaways include:
- 60 percent of voters agree that the January 6 riot at the Capitol was a threat to democracy. Only 29 percent disagree.
- 45 percent of respondents think that legislators who were part of the lawsuit to overturn election results should not be seated, while 44 percent think they should be.
- Of respondents who had heard of Meshawn Maddock, only 5 percent had a favorable opinion of her, compared to 23 percent with an unfavorable opinion.
- Only 16 percent of respondents have a favorable view of the Michigan Militia, while 55 percent view them unfavorably.
- The Democratic Party’s favorable-unfavorable rating stands at 41-49, compared to 27-58 for the Republican Party.
- When it comes to COVID, 55 percent of respondents strongly or somewhat approve of Gov. Whitmer’s job performance, while 43 percent strongly or somewhat disapprove.
- Only 33 percent of respondents approve of Republican legislators’ handling of COVID, while 59 percent disapprove.
- Only 32 percent of those polled support Republican lawmakers’ move to withhold federal relief funding until Gov. Whitmer gives up her emergency powers, while 48 percent oppose that effort.
- Job approval numbers for key Democratic officials are:
- President Biden: 53 percent approve, 44 percent disapprove
- Gov. Whitmer: 53 percent approve, 43 percent disapprove
- AG Nessel: 43 percent approve, 38 percent disapprove
- SOS Benson: 48 percent approve, 36 percent disapprove
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