A Survey of South Carolina Voters

A Survey of South Carolina Voters

A summary review of the issues, their importance to voters and

their potential influence on candidates and races in 2004

Profile of the survey sample

• 100% are registered voters• 99% voted in the 2002 election

Black26%

White74%Individual

24%

Republican40%

Democratic32%

Retired41%

Unemployed6%

Part Time7%

Full Time45%

Identify the one or two most important issues, that federal government should deal with

3%

6%

10%

23%Jobs/Unemployment/Economy

Iraq War

Healthcare

Education

Have free trade agreements (NAFTA, WTO) been good or bad for the U.S.

Good16%

Good & Bad28%

Bad46%

Has the emergence of China as economic superpower been good or bad for the U.S.

Good16%

Good & Bad21%

Bad46%

Do you agree with foreign governments “pegging” currencies to U.S.$, making foreign goods less expensive, and exporting U.S. jobs

Agree24%

Don't Know26%

Disagree50%

Do you agree or disagree that “outsourcing” of U.S. service jobs is inevitable and good for Americans

Good16%

Good & Bad21%

Bad46%

In today’s economy: Are you worried about a major wage earner losing a job

Not Worried

48%

Don't Know2%

Worried50%

For each: A major reason, minor reason, or not a reason for U.S. job losses to foreign competitors

85%

80%

65%

63%

54%

42%

40%

9%

25%

12%

8%

10%

19%

26%

21%

25%

29%

15%

14%

4%

3%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Foreign pay much lower

Investor/CEO put profit 1st

Consumers put price 1st

Foreign health/enviro standards low

Weak corp. leadership

U.S. labor unions

Foreign subsidies/incentives

Major reason Minor reason Not a reason

S.C. voters were asked to rate how well national, state legislatures have done their jobs “lately”

24%

27%

44%

46%

25%

20%

2%

2%

U.S. Congress

S.C. Gen. Ass'y.

Excellent Good Fair Poor

The issue and the elections

• South Carolina can be a pivotal state in November

• 81% of the state’s voters say that the economy will affect their vote

• South Carolina is a manufacturing state -- Only nine states have a larger share of their gross state production from manufacturing (2002 data)

South CarolinaManufacturing jobs lost 2000-2003

200,000

220,000

240,000

260,000

280,000

300,000

320,000

340,000

360,000

2000 2001 2002 2003

Manufacturing employment

• 65,300: manufacturing jobs lost in a state where one job in five is in manufacturing

S.C. Employment Commission

South Carolina voter

• About 2/3 of eligible voters are registered (2.1 million out of 3 million)

• Average S.C. voter turnout: 59% -- 4% above national average

South Carolina Statewide Analysis

542,786

564,939

1,107,725

2,145,918

3,002,919 Total Eligible Voters

Registered Voters

Total Voters

Winner by 22,152 Votes

Loser

49%

51%

Precinct Analysis (Goose Creek I)

336

349

685

1,377

2,303 Total Eligible Voters

Registered Voters

Total Voters

Winner by 13 Votes

Loser

49%

51%

Your vote can make a big difference

For example

• 835 employees at Nucor Berkeley

• Voting power – 835 people times 1.7 registered voters per household = 1,420 votes

• 537 votes -- The margin of victory in Florida in the 2000 electoral college vote

How can I make a difference? Four Simple Suggestions

1. Ask your elected officials how they are actively opposing currency manipulation and other unfair trade practices

How can I make a difference? Four Simple Suggestions

1. Ask your elected officials how they are actively opposing currency manipulation and other unfair trade practices

2. Ask your local officials to pass resolutions and to write your congressional delegation to urge immediate action

How can I make a difference? Four Simple Suggestions

1. Ask your elected officials how they are actively opposing currency manipulation and other unfair trade practices

2. Ask your local officials to pass resolutions and to write your congressional delegation to urge immediate action

3. Spread the word – to friends, business people, your community – on the negative impacts of unfair trade, currency manipulation

How can I make a difference? Four Simple Suggestions

1. Ask your elected officials how they are actively opposing currency manipulation and other unfair trade practices

2. Ask your local officials to pass resolutions and to write your congressional delegation to urge immediate action

3. Spread the word – to friends, business people, your community – on the negative impacts of unfair trade, currency manipulation

4. Register to vote. Vote for candidates who will stand up for U.S. jobs

How can I make a difference? Seek support of elected officials for a comprehensive, pro-manufacturing

platform

• Tort reform (i.e. H.3744)

• Tax reform & tax relief (i.e. H. 4925)

• Containing health care costs

• Cost benefit analysis of new regulatory requirements

American and S.C. Jobs Make Your Vote Important

• Some foreign governments and multi-national corporate interests want you to think your vote doesn’t count

• Turn the trade war around – help us restore fair trade with your votes

American and S.C. Jobs Make Your Vote Important

• S.C. voter survey: 46% see China’s emergence as economic superpower as bad for U.S., and 50% disagree with foreign governments pegging their currency to U.S. dollar

• Take action and win the trade war