Paid Family Leave And Raising The Minimum Wage Have Wide Support Among Vermont Voters
Vermont Business Magazine More than halfway into his second term, Gov. Phil Scott enjoys widespread popularity and a distinct advantage over his potential Democratic rivals. And Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders appears poised to coast to victory in his home state's presidential primary. Those are two of the big takeaways from a joint statewide poll released today by VPR and Vermont PBS.
As the 2020 race heats up, the VPR-Vermont PBS Poll asked hundreds of Vermonters how they felt about various political candidates and issues, including minimum wage, paid family leave, climate change, Act 250 and the state's lack of female representation in Congress. The phone poll of registered voters was conducted by Braun Research Inc., of Princeton, N.J. and overseen by Rich Clark of Castleton University. It took place from February 4-10 — the New Hampshire presidential primary was February 11. The full results, methodology, and appendices are available for download.
Vermont is one of 14 states holding a presidential primary on Super Tuesday, March 3. According to the poll, the outcome does not appear in doubt: Sanders enjoys a big lead, with 51% of Democrat voters siding with him. The next closest Democrat is former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg at 13%, followed by Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren at 9%. The margin of error in the Democratic race is 5.4%. President Donald Trump is well ahead in Vermont's Republican primary, 85% to 6% over former Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld.
VPR and Vermont PBS will offer extensive broadcast and digital coverage and analysis of the polling results throughout the week, including:
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VPR News stories and reports throughout the week
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The VPR News Minute released Tuesday - Friday on Vermont PBS and both Vermont PBS and VPR’s social media channels
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A takeaway from the poll results at the end of each Vermont Edition program, Tuesday - Friday at noon and 7 p.m.
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Vermont This Week, Friday at 7:30 p.m. on Vermont PBS
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A special episode of Brave Little State, focused on a poll question inspired by listeners' curiosity about women in politics, available February 21
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A deep dive into the poll questions around climate change on Vermont Edition Monday, February 24 at noon and 7 p.m.
Two additional polls are scheduled for summer and fall. Each poll will focus on Vermont election season insights as well as voter opinions on issues of key concern to Vermonters, such as climate change, affordability, and the changing demographics of Vermont.
About VPR
Listener-supported Vermont Public Radio has been serving the people of Vermont and the surrounding region since 1977. As Vermont's only statewide public radio network, VPR is a trusted and independent source for news, music, conversation, NPR programming, and much more. The latest news, live streams, schedules, playlists, and more are at VPR.org and on your smartphone.
About Vermont PBS
Vermont PBS connects neighbors through stories that change lives. As Vermont’s only statewide independent TV station, Vermont PBS is a powerful catalyst that informs, educates and inspires. When you support Vermont PBS, you help all Vermonters learn, grow, and contribute to our great state and the world. Learn more at vermontpbs.org.
Source: Colchester, Vt.– VPR 2.18.2020