SurveyUSA poll: Marijuana, John Kitzhaber show clear leads; GMO labeling close

A new SurveyUSA poll taken for KATU finds that the marijuana legalization measure has an 11-point lead while Gov. John Kitzhaber leads by 10 points in his race against Republican Dennis Richardson.

The poll also found that the measure to require labeling of foods with genetically altered ingredients is essentially tied, with a relatively large percentage of voters still undecided.

This new survey particularly differs in one important respect with a poll released earlier this week by The Oregonian and KGW: on the marijuana initiative, Measure 91.

The Oregonian/KGW poll found the measure virtually tied, with support at 44 percent and opposition at 46 percent — which is well within the poll’s margin of error of 5 percentage points.

In contrast, the poll taken for KATU found that 52 percent supported the marijuana measure and 41 percent were opposed.  The two polls had some important differences.

The SurveyUSA poll was conducted using a recorded voice.  Respondents answer by pushing buttons on their phone.  The Oregonian/KGW poll was conducted by live questioners, a method that many survey experts think is more accurate.

In addition, the surveys used different question wording, with the Oregonian/KGW poll reciting the ballot title while SurveyUSA asked respondents if they supported a measure to legalize marijuana for adults 21 and older.

The SurveyUSA poll also had a higher percentage of younger voters included in the poll — and it also showed strong support among voters aged 50-64 while the Oregonian/KGW poll showed that age group slightly opposed.

The survey showed Kitzhaber leading by 10 percentage points, 50 percent to 40 percent, over Republican challenger Dennis Richardson.  That’s a bigger lead than other recent polls in the wake of the controversies facing First Lady Cylvia Hayes.  SurveyUSA’s polls have also projected that Democrats would have a stronger share of the electorate — and Republicans a weaker share — than other pollsters.

On the GMO initiative, Measure 92, SurveyUSA found that 44 percent were in support while 43 percent were opposed.  Another 13 percent said they were undecided.  The Oregonian/KGW poll found the measure in more dire straits.  It said that 48 percent were opposed and 42 percent in favor.

In the Senate race, SurveyUSA found that Democratic Sen. Jeff Merkley leads Republican challenger Monica Wehby, 53 percent to 32 percent.

The survey of 552 likely voters was conducted Oct. 23-27 and had a margin of error of 4.2 percentage points, plus or minus.

– Jeff Mapes

Source

SurveyUSA poll: Marijuana, John Kitzhaber show clear leads; GMO labeling close