The Little Brown Reader

64% Favor Smaller Government

Rassmussen Survey: 64% Favor Smaller Government

February 16, 2004--Sixty-four percent (64%) of American voters say that they prefer smaller government with fewer services and lower taxes. A Rasmussen Reports survey finds that just 22% would rather see a more active government with more services and higher taxes.

Scott Rasmussen notes that "This data helps explain the recent decline in George W. Bush's approval ratings and general election polls. Being seen as a big spender is dangerous for any candidate."

The President has been challenged on a number of budget items recently by both his opponents and supporters. In fact, voters early in the campaign say they trust Massachusetts Senator John Kerry more than President Bush when it comes to cutting government spending.

The Rasmussen Reports Presidential Tracking Poll shows a race between Bush and Kerry is very close at this time. The tracking poll is updated daily by noon.

The national telephone survey of 1,500 Likely Voters was conducted by Rasmussen Reports February 13-15, 2004. The margin of sampling error for the survey is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. (see Methodology)

Support for smaller government cuts across just about all demographic lines. It is the preference for 67% of men and 62% of women; 52% of those under 30 and 70% of those over 65; 79% of Republicans, 59% of unaffiliateds, and 53% of Democrats; 61% of white voters and 52% of non-white voters.

The only exception to this pattern is voters who identify themselves as very liberal. Among this group, 49% say they want a more active government with more services and higher taxes. Just 40% prefer smaller government.

Rasmussen Reports provides a comprehensive Election 2004 polling service including daily updates of the Presidential Race and economic confidence.

(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes.)