Poll: Conservatives Oppose Changing Tax Code, Debt Ceiling Hike

AUSTIN, Texas, July 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- A new national survey of American conservatives finds not just concerted opposition to the Obama administration's request to raise the national debt ceiling — but strong objections to changing the tax code as a way of lowering the debt.

GOPUSA, a leading online conservative news source, recently surveyed 200,000 subscribers, selected at random from an audience of 1.2 million people. The survey was sponsored by Generation America, a membership organization for Americans over 50, and conducted by Parker Media. Ninety-one percent of respondents said they are either conservative or very conservative.

"Generation America members, GOPUSA subscribers and conservatives as a whole are very much aligned in their opposition to raising the debt ceiling to solve our nation's insolvency problem," said Patrick Boykin, CEO of Generation America. "We are an informed and awakened group that want our voices heard."

"The survey reveals what politicians refuse to believe: Americans are serious about cutting spending. Taxes are already too high, and the so-called 'rich' could be taxed at 100 percent and America would still not be able to pay the bills. There is simply too much spending," said Dr. Bobby Eberle, President and CEO of GOPUSA. "The system is broken, and we need serious leaders to show courage and cut the spending now."

The survey was conducted between July 20 and July 25, 2011. Nearly 1,100 respondents relayed their current sentiments regarding the performance of the federal government and politicians, and provided opinions on the various options for the national debt limit and deficit.

• Most respondents doubt that the government will actually default on its financial obligations, even if negotiations falter. About 50 percent said default is not likely, even if the debt ceiling is not raised.
• Ninety-two percent of respondents said they would like to see the debt reduced by limiting federal spending.
• Approximately 88 percent of those surveyed disagree with President Obama's plan to cut the deficit by using a combination of revenue increases along with spending cuts.
• In contrast, nearly 90 percent favored House Majority Leader Eric Cantor's plan to rely primarily on spending cuts.

Respondents were extremely critical — nearly universally so — of President Obama's performance on the debt ceiling issue, as well as Democratic leaders in Congress. Some 81.5 percent of respondents strongly oppose Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's performance on the debt ceiling issue.

However, respondents also gave mixed reviews of GOP performance in cutting spending and the deficit, a key campaign promise in 2010. Fewer than half — 47 percent — said they approve of GOP performance so far, while 32 percent disapprove.

Slightly under half of respondents approve of House Speaker John Boehner's handling of the debt ceiling, while 25 percent disapprove and 25.2 percent remain neutral. In addition, Senator Mitch McConnell was given a mostly negative performance rating.

A report containing detailed survey results is available upon request.

Generation America is a membership organization for Americans over 50 that provides access to exceptional discounts, benefits and services while supporting traditional American values. For more information visit generationamerica.org.

GOPUSA is a leading conservative news outlet with the mission of spreading the conservative message with a host of features and services including news, online discussions, commentary and information. For more information visit gopusa.com.

Parker Media is an independent publisher and the leader in thought leadership. We provide thought leadership through research, advice, media and publishing. For more information visit parker-media.com.

SOURCE Generation America