Winning the Issues is just out of the field with a brand new survey (January 8-12; 1,000 registered voters). Among the new numbers in this latest survey is an updated look at whether voters have more confidence in the Republican Party or the Democratic Party to handle the issue of education.
Overall, the numbers indicate that the landscape is not all that different from last summer. Democrats lead on the issue by a margin of 13 (37-50 Republican Party-Democratic Party), compared to a margin of 11 in August (38-49). While Democrats overwhelmingly have more confidence in their own party (7-86), nearly identical to where they were in the summer (5-88), Republicans are somewhat less decisive. Some 75% prefer their own party, but with a quarter who instead say Democrats (16%) or who are unsure (9%).
Independents became somewhat more decisive compared to the August survey, going from 33-44 Republican Party-Democratic Party to 27-48. While this is a slightly stronger preference, it is still less than a majority view, especially as nearly a quarter of independents (24%) are undecided.
Education continues to be a challenging issue for Republicans, and the numbers from the latest survey show they need to make a compelling case that appeals to both members of their own party and independents.
More education issue handling analysis:
What’s The Latest On Education Issue Handling?
Which Party Really Has The Edge On Education Issue Handling?
