FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
News from Progress Michigan
April 6, 2021
Contact: Sam Inglot, (616) 916-0574, sam@progressmichigan.org
New Poll: Nearly 60% Support Calls for Ron Weiser Resignation
Lake Effect poll shows strong disapproval of GOP Co-Chair, support for FOIA reform
MICHIGAN – On Tuesday, Progress Michigan released the latest edition of Lake Effect, a monthly research newsletter that tracks public opinion about a variety of issues and political figures.
“Ron Weiser’s dangerous and misogynistic comments would be unacceptable coming from everyone—but his status as a UM regent and Republican Party leader make them especially awful,” said Lonnie Scott, executive director of Progress Michigan. “The people of Michigan agree: Weiser must go. Meanwhile, Gov. Whitmer continues to be the strong, steady leader our state needs to guide us through the COVID pandemic and Michigan Republicans continue to lie, obstruct, and work to undermine our democracy. Despite Pete Lucido’s best efforts, Michiganders aren’t falling for the disinformation around COVID deaths in nursing homes. It’s also abundantly clear that Michiganders are ready for FOIA expansion, lobbying reform, and a more transparent and accountable state government, and we’re looking forward to making that a reality in 2022.”
Full results of the poll can be found here. Some highlights include:
- 58 percent of respondents think Ron Weiser should resign from his positions as Michigan Republican Party Co-Chair and University of Michigan Regent. Only 24 percent do not think he should resign.
- 62 percent of those polled support Progress Michigan’s ballot initiative that would apply FOIA to the legislature and governor’s office. Only 8 percent oppose the measure.
- 85 percent of respondents strongly or somewhat support a ballot initiative that would require more transparency around lobbying, while just 4 percent strongly or somewhat oppose the idea.
- Only 33 percent of respondents believe that Gov. Whitmer is responsible for COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes, compared to 52 percent who do not believe she is responsible.
- Only 39 percent of those polled strongly or somewhat support Republican lawmakers’ election reform bill package, while 40 percent strongly or somewhat oppose the measures.
- 36 percent of respondents believe major donors to Michigan Republicans are responsible for their voter suppression efforts, while only 28 percent disagree.
- 57 percent of those polled believe the results of the 2020 election were legitimate, compared to 36 percent who do not believe they were legitimate.
- 55 percent of respondents strongly or somewhat approve of Gov. Whitmer’s handling of COVID-19, while 42 percent strongly or somewhat disapprove. Only 37 percent strongly or somewhat approve of the legislature’s handling of the pandemic, compared to 53 percent who strongly or somewhat disapprove.
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