September 13, 2012
TALLAHASSEE – Following the conclusion of both the Republican and Democratic National Conventions, a new poll from Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) shows that Florida voters are split down the middle between President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney. According to poll results, if the Florida general election were held today, the President is in a statistical tie with Romney (47.2 percent to 49.5 percent). Poll respondents who identified themselves as Independents were also evenly split with 46.4 percent voting for the President and 46.4 percent voting for Romney.
Respondents were also asked if they and their families were better off today than they were four years ago. More than half – 54.7 percent – felt they were not, while 40 percent felt they were better off today.
Jobs continue to top the list of issues most important to Floridians. Overall, 68.7 percent of likely voters believe the private sector (corporations, small businesses and entrepreneurs) is better at creating jobs and improving the economy while 20 percent think the government and public sector programs better meet this need. Nearly half of all Democrats surveyed (45.5 percent) and 75 percent of Independents agree the private sector does more to create jobs and positively impact the economy.
“These poll results demonstrate that irrespective of party affiliation, Floridians believe the private sector is leading the way in what is most critical to our state right now – job creation. As we head into the election and prepare for the 2013 Legislative Session, lawmakers and candidates should take note that their constituents have faith in the ability of the private sector to help turn our economy and job market around,” said Tom Feeney, AIF President and CEO. “Advancing policies that cultivate a business-friendly environment will accelerate our economic rebound and put people back to work.”
Conducted by McLaughlin & Associates on September 9 and 10, 2012, the poll surveyed 600 randomly-selected, likely general election voters in Florida. All interviews were conducted via telephone by professional interviewers. The survey has a margin of error of +/- 4 percent and a 95 percent confidence interval.
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