Six weeks before the next gubernatorial election, Jim Doyle has the lead over challenger Mark Green. In a head-to-head race Doyle leads Green 45% to 40%. These are among the key findings about politics from the most recent survey of 600 likely Wisconsin voters conducted by the Wisconsin Policy Research Institute and Diversified Research between September 20 and 21, 2006. Doyle’s lead over Green changes in some areas of the state. Doyle leads Green in Madison 55% to 33%; in outstate Wisconsin 45% to 32%; and surprisingly in the Green Bay area 50% to 39%. Green’s strength lies in Waukesha County, 61% to 28% and the Milwaukee suburbs, 44% to 38%. The core of Jim Doyle’s support comes from voters who identify themselves as liberals (78% to 15%) and middle-of-the-road (49% to 31%). Democrats support Doyle 84% to 10%, as do Independents 40% to 35%. Support also comes from college graduates — 47% to 40%. One of the gaps that has been closed since June is among female voters where Doyle only leads 44% to 39%. Green’s support comes primarily from Republicans (80% to 12%), conservatives (60% to 21%), and voters who identify themselves as “born again” (53% to 37%).
Poll also shows most voters think both the state and country are on the wrong track
By Michael LaVelle
September 2006
