Findings from a 2012 poll show that Wisconsin voters support and are willing to invest in renewable energy, like wind power.

1. Voter Attitudes Towards
Energy Issues in Wisconsin
A Summary of Pertinent Research Findings for Viewing by
Candidates and Communications State for Candidates/Caucuses
220-3315

2. Research Methodology
 Telephone interviews with 400 voters in Wisconsin
 Interviews conducted January 9-15, 2012
 Margin of sampling error of +/- 4.9%
 Bipartisan research team of Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin,
Metz & Associates (D) and Public Opinion Strategies
(R)
 Comparisons to 2010 survey with identical methodology
 Survey preceded by December 2011 focus groups with
suburban swing voters in Brookfield
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3. In Wisconsin, majorities support
increased use of wind and solar.
Total Total
Strng. Sup. S.W. Sup. S.W. Opp. Strng. Opp. DK/NA Support Oppose
*Wind 60% 25% 5% 6% 85% 11%
*Solar 53% 36% 89% 7%
Hydropower 47% 36% 6% 10% 83% 7%
Natural gas 43% 42% 10% 85% 12%
*Biomass 21% 32% 12% 32% 53% 16%
Nuclear 19% 34% 21% 20% 7% 53% 41%
Coal 13% 37% 27% 17% 6% 50% 44%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
5a/b/c/d/e/f/i. Here is a list of specific sources of energy. Please tell me whether you would support or oppose increasing
use of that source of energy to meet your state’s future needs. *Split Sample
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4. Three-quarters of voters in each
region want more use of wind energy.
Support for Wind Energy by Region
(% of
Sample) (16%) (17%) (21%) (19%) (27%)
5f. Here is a list of specific sources of energy. Please tell me whether you would support or oppose increasing use of that
source of energy to meet your state’s future needs.: Wind
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5. Three-quarters of every partisan
subgroup support wind energy.
Support for Wind Energy by Party Identification
(% of
Sample) (25%) (48%) (26%)
5f. Here is a list of specific sources of energy. Please tell me whether you would support or oppose increasing use of that
source of energy to meet your state’s future needs.: Wind
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6. Wisconsin women and men are
equally supportive of wind energy.
Support for Wind Energy by Gender
(% of
Sample) (49%) (51%)
5f. Here is a list of specific sources of energy. Please tell me whether you would support or oppose increasing use of that
source of energy to meet your state’s future needs.: Wind
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7. Voters believe increasing the use of
renewable energy and energy efficiency
projects will create new jobs.
Which of the following comes Which of the following comes closer
closer to your point of view: to your point of view: energy efficiency
Increasing the use of clean, projects like weatherizing and insulating
renewable energy sources like buildings, and upgrading appliances and
wind and solar power… technology in homes and businesses ….
Will create new jobs 65% 68%
Will not affect jobs 21% 21%
Will cost jobs 8% 5%
All/None/DK 6% 6%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80%
Q9/10.
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8. Voters prefer a clean energy
candidate in each region of the
state.
Candidate Preference by Region
Milwaukee Milwaukee Madison Green Bay/ North West
County Metro South North East
(% of
Sample) (16%) (18%) (22%) (16%) (27%)
12. In thinking about the election for State Legislature in your area later this year, for which of the following candidates
would you be most likely to vote?
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9. Pluralities of voters of all parties
prefer a clean energy candidate.
Candidate Preference by Party Identification
(% of
Sample) (34%) (40%) (25%)
12. In thinking about the election for State Legislature in your area later this year, for which of the following candidates
would you be most likely to vote?
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10. In fact, the poll shows voters are less likely to
support a candidate who would weaken clean
energy laws – a strongly-held position.
Much more likely 8% Total
More Likely
Somewhat more likely 28% 35%
Somewhat less likely 27% Total
Less Likely
Much less likely 25% 52%
Makes no difference 3%
Don’t know 10%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40%
13. Suppose you learned that a candidate for state legislature in Wisconsin had voted to weaken the laws that promote the
use of clean energy and energy efficiency in the state, saying they thought weakening these laws would improve the state
economy and quickly generate jobs. Would you be more likely or less likely to vote for that candidate? 10

11. Regional Definitions
Northwest
Green Bay/Northeast
Milwaukee County
Madison/South
Milwaukee Metro
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