Wednesday, November 16, 2011

The Republican Split in Boyle County

I wish to call attention to an interesting exit poll conducted by my colleague Ben Knoll. During the recent election, his students stood outside every polling place in Boyle County, Kentucky, where Danville is located. Boyle County is a very centrist place - it has a Democratic registration edge, but often votes Republican in national elections.

So Boyle County is a good place to ask about support for an establishment Republican, a Tea Party Republican, or neither. Specifically, voters were asked "Considering Kentucky's senators, which best represents your views?"

Mitch McConnell 20.6%
Rand Paul, 24.8%
Both equally, 7.8%
Neither, 42.8%

So, in a centrist county in a conservative state, we find about 25% establishment Republicans, 30% Tea Partiers, and over 40%, neither.

As Rand Paul himself demonstrates regularly, the Tea Party is almost as unhappy with the Republican establishment as it is with the Democratic Party. If the Tea Partiers are not enthusiastic about the Republican presidential nominee, they may not show up next year. And that does not bode well for establishment Republicans in Boyle County.

9 comments:

Razor said...

I promise you the Tea Party is aching to get rid of Mr. Obama. We realize what is at stake.

Gruntled said...

Are they (you) aching to vote for Mitt Romney, the likely nominee? The most recent Iowa poll shows only 11% Tea Party support for Romney.

Razor said...

Yes, yes, yes. Our choice in politics is almost always between the lesser of two evils. Primaries and general elections are apples and oranges. You underestimate the love the Tea Party has for our country and our children.

The Errant Viewer said...

But, Razor, does that mean that non-Tea Party members don't care about country and family?

Razoro said...

What do you think Errant Viewer?

Kerri said...

Anyone who cares enough to vote cares about country and family, and the future. We just have different ideas on how to optimize that future.

Razor said...

That may or not be true Kerri.

The Errant Viewer said...

I think there are many ways to care about one's country, family, and world. Who am I to say who is and who isn't a patriot?

Razor said...

You guys are a little sensitive. Not everyone who votes loves the country. I'm happy you do.