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Contact Dr. Bruce Merrill (480) 965-7051 VALLEY RESIDENTS SUPPORT DNA TESTING OF DEATH ROW INMATES; A new poll by KAET-TV/Channel 8 and the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at ASU found that voters in Maricopa County support DNA testing of death row inmates to help determine whether they are innocent or guilty. The poll of 414 registered voters in Maricopa County, conducted between April 18-21, 2002, found that 84% of those interviewed would support such an initiative, and 11% would oppose it. Six percent (6%) had no opinion. Females were more supportive than males (92% to 85%, among those with an opinion). The poll also found that 62% of registered voters in Maricopa County would support a moratorium on executions until the issues related to DNA testing have been studied. Among those with an opinion Democrats (82%) were more likely to support a moratorium than were Republicans (60%) and "others/independents" (68%). Similarly, self-described liberals (87%) were more supportive than conservatives (58%) and those placing themselves between liberal and conservative (68%). Females were also more likely than males to support a moratorium (75% to 63%), as were older voters (80% of those over 60, 64% of those under 60). Fifteen percent (15%) of those interviewed said they had changed their position on the death penalty after learning that death row inmates in several states have been released because of DNA evidence. Eighty percent (80%) had not changed their opinion, and 6% were not sure. This change of position was stronger among non-college graduates than college graduates (21% to 12%). Of those who had changed their position, most (56%) had either strengthened their opposition to the death penalty (24%) or had changed from previously supporting to now opposing capital punishment (32%). Only 2% had changed from opposition to support of capital punishment, and 5% now felt stronger about their support. Thirty-seven percent (37%) either specified other types of changed positions (25%) or could not say exactly how their position had changed (12%). KAET and the Cronkite School also found that Janet Napolitano and Matt Salmon are effectively tied in Maricopa County in this year's race for Governor of Arizona. Thirty percent (30%) of those interviewed preferred Napolitano, 28% Salmon, and 4% independent candidate Dick Mahoney. Thirty-seven percent (37%) are still either undecided (32%) or not willing to reveal their choice (5%). Among those with an opinion, non-whites favored Napolitano over Salmon (64% to 23%). Voters older than 60 also chose Napolitano (64% to 32%), and the two leading candidates were almost tied among voters younger than 60 (49% for Salmon, 43% for Napolitano). Self-described conservatives strongly favored Salmon over Napolitano (70% to 23%), liberals preferred Napolitano even more strongly (87% to 8%), and those in between liberal and conservative also favored Napolitano (56% to 34%). Men chose Salmon (52% to 41%), and women preferred Napolitano (57% to 37%). As for party loyalty among Republicans, 71% of registered Republicans would vote for Salmon and 27% for Napolitano. Among Democrats, 86% preferred Napolitano and 7% each chose Salmon and Mahoney. Among registered independents or "others," Napolitano was the favorite of 48%, Salmon of 38%, and Mahoney of 14%. This poll of 414 Maricopa County voters has a sampling error of 4.8%. Forty-eight percent (48%) were registered Republicans, 32% Democrats, and 20% "others." Fifty-two percent (52%) were female, 48% male. Eligible voters in Maricopa County were also asked to choose among the candidates in the Democratic primary. Of the 328 registered Democrats and independents intending to vote in the Democratic primary, Napolitano was the preferred candidate of 54%. Ten percent (10%) favored Alfredo Gutierrez, 3% Mike Newcomb, and less than 1% Mark Osterloh. Thirty-four percent (34%) were still undecided. Napolitano was the preferred candidate of all groups. Gutierrez, however, was chosen by 38% of non-whites, compared to just 8% of whites. Gutierrez also finds more support among voters under 60 than among older voters (19% to 9%). For the Democratic primary, the poll of 328 registered voters has a sampling error of plus or minus 5.4%. Ninety percent (90%) of those interviewed were Democrats, and 10% were registered independents intending to vote in the Democratic primary. Sixty-two percent (62%) of the sample was female, 38% male. Q1: Prisoners have recently been released from death row in several states, including one prisoner here in Arizona, after DNA evidence proved they were not guilty. Has this information changed your position on the death penalty?
Q2 (ASKED OPEN ENDED AND ONLY IF RESPONDENT ANSWERED "YES" TO Q1): How has it changed your opinion?
Q3: Would you support or oppose requiring all death row inmates to be given DNA tests to help determine if they are innocent or guilty?
Q4: Would you 1.favor or 2.oppose a moratorium on executing prisoners on death row until the issues related to DNA testing have been studied?
Q5: If the Democratic primary for Governor is between Alfredo Gutierrez, Janet Napolitano, Mike Newcomb, and Mark Osterloh, who would you probably vote for? (CANDIDATES READ IN ALTERNATING ORDER)
Q6: If the election for Governor this year is between Republican Matt Salmon, Democrat Janet Napolitano, and independent Dick Mahoney, who would you probably vote for? (CANDIDATES READ IN ALTERNATING ORDER)
Due to rounding error, some percentages may not total to 100%. KAET-TV is a part of Arizona State University |
