1. Lake Research Partners Washington, DC | Berkeley, CA | New York, NY LakeResearch.com 202.776.9066 Florida Voters’ Attitudes Toward Social Security Findings from a Survey of 503 Likely 2012 Voters in Florida Commissioned by Social Security Works, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare Foundation & Alliance for Retired Americans May 2011

5. Reactions to Cutting Social Security Benefits in Order to Reduce the Deficit There is strong, widespread opposition to cutting Social Security benefits in order to reduce the federal deficit among Florida voters. This is especially true for independent voters and those undecided in the generic 2012 Senate ballot.

7. Across age groups, strong majorities of Florida voters also strongly oppose cutting Social Security benefits in order to reduce the federal deficit. Oppose Favor Would you favor or oppose cutting Social Security benefits in order to reduce the federal deficit? [IF FAVOR/OPPOSE: Is that strongly or not so strongly?] *Sample size under 100 (For under age 40: N=89; Age 40-49: N=77) Majorities of all demographic subgroups oppose cutting benefits to reduce the deficit. Darker colors indicate intensity

8. Nearly seven in ten Florida voters say they would be less likely to vote for a Senate candidate who supports cutting Social Security benefits in order to reduce the federal deficit. Six in ten would be much less likely to vote for such a candidate. +56 And, please tell me, would you be more or less likely to vote for a candidate for Senate who supports cutting Social Security benefits in order to reduce the federal deficit, or would it make no difference to you? [IF MORE/LESS: Is that MUCH MORE/LESS or SOMEWHAT MORE/LESS?] Majorities of all demographic subgroups would be less likely to vote for a candidate who supports cutting Social Security benefits, with the exception of Tea Party supporters (46% oppose). Darker colors indicate intensity

9. Strong majorities of Florida Democrats, independents, and Republicans say they would be less likely to vote for a Senate candidate if that candidate supported cutting Social Security benefits in order to reduce the federal deficit. Nearly two-thirds of independents and a nearly three-quarters of voters who are undecided in the 2012 generic Senate ballot are less likely to vote for such a candidate, with two-thirds of undecideds much less likely to vote for such a candidate. Less Likely to Vote For More Likely to Vote For No Difference 12 15 17 16 19 And, please tell me, would you be more or less likely to vote for a candidate for Senate who supports cutting Social Security benefits in order to reduce the federal deficit, or would it make no difference to you? [IF MORE/LESS: Is that MUCH MORE/LESS or SOMEWHAT MORE/LESS?] 13 Darker colors indicate intensity

10. Across Northern, Southern, and Central Florida, majorities of voters would be much less likely to vote for a candidate who would cut benefits in order to reduce the federal deficit. Less Likely to Vote For More Likely to Vote For No Difference 13 15 15 17 16 And, please tell me, would you be more or less likely to vote for a candidate for Senate who supports cutting Social Security benefits in order to reduce the federal deficit, or would it make no difference to you? [IF MORE/LESS: Is that MUCH MORE/LESS or SOMEWHAT MORE/LESS?] Darker colors indicate intensity

11. In an engaged debate three-quarters of Florida voters agree with the candidate who says that Social Security should not be on the table for cuts to address the deficit because it is funded by and belongs to the people who have worked hard and paid into the program. They pick this candidate over one who makes the argument that we must cut Social Security to avoid burdening future generations with massive debt. +53 *Now I am going to read two statements that might be made by a U.S. Senator in your state. Which one comes closer to your point of view? Candidate A s ays it is simply wrong to shackle future generations with such a massive debt burden. We must cut our entitlement spending now to leave our children and grandchildren a better future. Everything has to be on the table, including cutting Social Security. Candidate B: S ays Social Security did not cause the federal budget deficit and it is fully funded. Social Security is funded by contributions from working Americans. It belongs to the people who have worked hard and paid into the program, not to the government. Social Security has not contributed to the federal deficit, and should NOT be on the table for cuts to address the deficit. *Split Sampled question

12. Nearly eight in ten undecided Florida voters and seven in ten independent voters side with the candidate who argues that because Social Security belongs to the people who have paid into the program it should not be considered for cuts to reduce the federal debt. *Now I am going to read two statements that might be made by a U.S. Senator in your state. Which one comes closer to your point of view? Candidate A s ays it is simply wrong to shackle future generations with such a massive debt burden. We must cut our entitlement spending now to leave our children and grandchildren a better future. Everything has to be on the table, including cutting Social Security. Candidate B: S ays Social Security did not cause the federal budget deficit and it is fully funded. Social Security is funded by contributions from working Americans. It belongs to the people who have worked hard and paid into the program, not to the government. Social Security has not contributed to the federal deficit, and should NOT be on the table for cuts to address the deficit. *Split Sampled question **Sample size less than 100 (For Democrats N=91, Independents N=55, Tea Party Supporters N=74; For Undecideds N=70) Side with Candidate A Side with Candidate B Candidate B Advantage Total 21% 74% +53 Democrats** 6% 91% +85 Independents** 21% 71% +50 Republicans 36% 61% +25 Tea Party Supporters** 41% 50% +9 Undecided in Senate race** 18% 79% +61

13. Florida voters are also much more likely to agree with a candidate who says Social Security is a promise that should be kept for current and future generations, over a candidate who argues that Social Security should be on the table for cuts to avoid shackling future generations with massive debt. +40 *Now I am going to read two statements that might be made by a U.S. Senator in your state. Which one comes closer to your point of view? Candidate A s ays it is simply wrong to shackle future generations with such a massive debt burden. We must cut our entitlement spending now to leave our children and grandchildren a better future. Everything has to be on the table, including cutting Social Security. Candidate B: S ays Social Security is a promise made to all generations to provide a basic and reliable retirement income for when they retire, become widowed or disabled, or leave loved ones behind. Americans need to know the promise of Social Security will continue to be kept for them and for future generations. *Split Sampled question

14. Strong majorities of independent and undecided Florida voters side with the candidate who argues for protecting the promise of Social Security for current and future generations, rather than the candidate who espouses cutting Social Security to address the deficit. *Now I am going to read two statements that might be made by a U.S. Senator in your state. Which one comes closer to your point of view? Candidate A s ays it is simply wrong to shackle future generations with such a massive debt burden. We must cut our entitlement spending now to leave our children and grandchildren a better future. Everything has to be on the table, including cutting Social Security. Candidate B: S ays Social Security is a promise made to all generations to provide a basic and reliable retirement income for when they retire, become widowed or disabled, or leave loved ones behind. Americans need to know the promise of Social Security will continue to be kept for them and for future generations. *Split Sampled question **Sample size less than 100 (For Democrats N=82, Independents N=51, Tea Party Supporters N=85; For Undecideds N=64) # Numbers may not add to 100% due to rounding Side with Candidate A Side with Candidate B Candidate B Advantage # Total 27% 67% +41 Democrats** 12% 82% +69 Independents** 33% 57% +24 Republicans 36% 60% +23 Tea Party Supporters** 43% 49% +6 Undecided in Senate race** 28% 63% +35

15. Reactions to Specific Cuts to Social Security Benefits There is broad opposition among Florida voters to raising the retirement age, changing the COLA formula in a way that reduces the amount beneficiaries receive, and reducing benefits for people earning above $60,000.

16. Strong majorities of Florida voters oppose three specific proposals that would cut Social Security benefits by: Raising the retirement age, changing the COLA formula in a way that reduces the amount beneficiaries receive, and reducing benefits for people earning above $60,000. Here are some changes people are proposing to help make Social Security more solvent. Please tell me if you would favor or oppose each of the following proposals to make Social Security more solvent [IF FAVOR/OPPOSE: Is that strongly or not so strongly?] Q. Raising the retirement age to 69; Q. Changing the formula to reduce cost of living increases – or COLAs — for people receiving Social Security benefits; Q. Reducing Social Security benefits for people earning above $60,000 today when they retire. Oppose Favor Opposition to raising the retirement age is particularly robust among blue-collar voters: 64% of non-college educated voters oppose raising the retirement age (55% strongly). Fifty-five percent of college-educated voters are opposed (47% strongly). Darker colors indicate intensity

17. Voters undecided on who they will vote for in the generic 2012 Senate ballot and independent voters are solidly against these specific benefit cuts. Opposition holds across nearly all political affiliations. % oppose (% strongly oppose) Raising the retirement age to 69 Changing COLA formula to reduce benefits Reducing benefits for those earning above $60K Total 60% (51%) 57% (48%) 57% (47%) Democrats 72% (64%) 59% (52%) 53% (42%) Independents 58% (48%) 56% (46%) 66% (53%) Republicans 51% (42%) 55% (45%) 55% (48%) Tea Party Supporters 45% (36%) 57% (48%) 60% (52%) Undecided in Senate race 57% (50%) 60% (48%) 63% (48%) Under age 40 70% (64%) 40% (34%) 52% (44%) 40-49 63% (57%) 58% (51%) 56% (53%) 50-64 62% (51%) 63% (51%) 59% (50%) 65+ 48% (38%) 64% (53%) 61% (43%)

18. Strong majorities of voters across most of Florida oppose the three proposals as well. % oppose (% strongly oppose) Raising the retirement age to 69 Changing COLA formula to reduce benefits Reducing benefits for those earning above $60K Total 60% (51%) 57% (48%) 57% (47%) Southern FL 65% (60%) 59% (47%) 65% (53%) West-Central FL 62% (49%) 56% (51%) 65% (50%) East-Central FL 55% (45%) 59% (49%) 47% (40%) Northern FL 52% (45%) 52% (43%) 45% (38%)

19. By a margin of two-to-one, swing voters would be more likely to vote against a Senate candidate who would support raising the retirement age. Intensity among swing voters is three-to-one. This is also especially unpopular among blue-collar voters. Now let me read you some items and tell me if that item would make you more or less likely to vote for a candidate for Senate, or if it would make no difference to you. [IF MORE/LESS LIKELY: Is that much or somewhat more/less likely?] Q. The candidate supports raising the retirement age to 69. Less Likely to Vote For More Likely to Vote For No Difference 10 16 23 18 22 20 Darker colors indicate intensity 56 percent of blue-collar voters would be less likely to vote for a candidate who supports raising the retirement age (47 percent much less likely). This compares to 49 percent of those with a four-year college degree or more (41 percent would be much less likely).

20. Attitudes Toward Imposing Social Security Taxes on Wages Above $106,800 & Other Revenue Proposals Seven in ten Florida voters favor a proposal to gradually require employees and employers to pay Social Security taxes on all wages above $106,800, and six in ten would be more likely to vote for a Senate candidate who supports this proposal. There are surprisingly few partisan divisions on this measure.

21. Over seven in ten Florida voters favor, and a majority strongly favors, gradually requiring employees and employers to pay Social Security taxes on all wages above $106,800, which they do not currently do. Majorities of voters across every political affiliation strongly favor this proposal. Oppose Favor Here are some changes people are proposing to help make Social Security more solvent. Please tell me if you would favor or oppose each of the following proposals to make Social Security more solvent [IF FAVOR/OPPOSE: Is that strongly or not so strongly?] Q. Gradually requiring employees and employers to pay Social Security taxes on all wages above one-hundred and six thousand eight-hundred dollars, which they do not do now. Darker colors indicate intensity

22. Across regions of the state, at least two-thirds of voters favor requiring employees and employers to pay Social Security taxes on all wages above $106,800. Oppose Favor Here are some changes people are proposing to help make Social Security more solvent. Please tell me if you would favor or oppose each of the following proposals to make Social Security more solvent [IF FAVOR/OPPOSE: Is that strongly or not so strongly?] Q. Gradually requiring employees and employers to pay Social Security taxes on all wages above one-hundred and six thousand eight-hundred dollars, which they do not do now. Majorities of all demographic subgroups favor this proposal . Darker colors indicate intensity

23. Seven in ten Florida voters—including eight in ten Democrats and six in ten independents and Republicans—agree with the candidate who argues that instead of drastic cuts to Social Security what is needed is closing the loophole to make all wages over $106,800 subject to Social Security payroll taxes. +47 # Now I am going to read two statements that might be made by a U.S. Senator in your state. Which one comes closer to your point of view? Candidate A S ays the Social Security program is going broke, leaving us with some very difficult choices to make. In order to protect the program for our children and our grandchildren we must make changes, including raising the retirement age to 69 and make cuts in other Social Security benefits . Candidate B: S ays Social Security is fully funded through 2037, so drastic cuts are not needed. Instead, to protect the program for future generations we should close a loophole, and make all wages over $106,800 subject to Social Security payroll taxes, which they are not now. Doing this will ensure that Social Security is fully funded for the next 75 years . # Numbers may not add to 100% due to rounding

24. Across age groups and political affiliations, voters side with the candidate who believes that instead of drastically cutting Social Security we should make all wages over $106,800 subject to Social Security payroll taxes. This argument is especially strong among undecided voters, and strong among independents and Republicans. Now I am going to read two statements that might be made by a U.S. Senator in your state. Which one comes closer to your point of view? Candidate A S ays the Social Security program is going broke, leaving us with some very difficult choices to make. In order to protect the program for our children and our grandchildren we must make changes, including raising the retirement age to 69 and make cuts in other Social Security benefits . Candidate B: S ays Social Security is fully funded through 2037, so drastic cuts are not needed. Instead, to protect the program for future generations we should close a loophole, and make all wages over $106,800 subject to Social Security payroll taxes, which they are not now. Doing this will ensure that Social Security is fully funded for the next 75 years . # Numbers may not add to 100% due to rounding Side with Candidate A Side with Candidate B Candidate B Advantage # Total 23% 69% +47 Democrats 12% 83% +71 Independents 27% 61% +34 Republicans 31% 62% +31 Tea Party Supporters 39% 50% +11 Undecided in Senate race 19% 71% +52 Under age 40 24% 66% +43 40-49 26% 64% +38 50-64 20% 73% +53 65+ 23% 70% +47

25. Across party lines, around six in ten Florida voters say they would be more likely to vote for a Senate candidate who supports requiring employees and employers to pay Social Security taxes on all wages above $106,800. This includes 55 percent of independents and undecided voters in the 2012 U.S. Senate race. Less Likely to Vote For More Likely to Vote For No Difference 11 15 19 17 15 Now let me read you some items and tell me if that item would make you more or less likely to vote for a candidate for Senate, or if it would make no difference to you. [IF MORE/LESS LIKELY: Is that much or somewhat more/less likely?] Q. The candidate supports requiring employees and employers to pay Social Security taxes on all wages above $106,800. 19 Darker colors indicate intensity

26. Two-thirds of Florida voters favor a proposal that, instead of extending the tax cuts for the top two percent of Americans due to expire in 2012, would have Congress dedicate those additional taxes to guarantee Social Security benefits for the next 75 years. Half strongly support this proposal. Oppose Favor Now let me read you another proposal, please tell me if you would favor or oppose this: Instead of extending the tax cuts for the top two percent of Americans that will be due to expire in 2012 Congress should instead dedicate the additional taxes from the richest Americans to guarantee Social Security benefits for the next 75 years. Do you favor or oppose this proposal, or are you not sure? [IF FAVOR/OPPOSE : Is that strongly/not so strongly favor/oppose?] Darker colors indicate intensity

27. Political Leadership on Social Security Democrats no longer enjoy their traditional advantage when it comes to which party would better handle Social Security. Republicans in Congress beat Democrats in Congress and President Obama among all voters, and among independent voters by wide margins.

28. Florida voters give Republicans in Congress the advantage in terms of who will better handle the issue of Social Security, over both Congressional Democrats and over President Obama. Who do you think will better handle the issue of Social Security: [ROTATE: _ the Republicans in Congress, _ the Democrats in Congress], or are they both about the same? Who do you think will better handle the issue of Social Security: [ROTATE: _the Republicans in Congress, _President Obama], or are they both about the same? Congressional Democrats vs. Republicans -5 -8 President Obama vs. Republicans

29. +61 -5 -12 -60 -69 Neither Congressional Republicans have a 12-point advantage over Congressional Democrats on Social Security among Florida independents. Who do you think will better handle the issue of Social Security: [ROTATE: _ the Republicans in Congress, _ the Democrats in Congress], or are they both about the same? 4 11 21 10 10 -- 18 *Respondents who say they are “ Undecided ” when asked for whom they will vote in the 2012 elections for U.S. Senate. 33% of Undecideds and 28% of independents say Republicans in Congress and Democrats in Congress are “ Both about the same ” in how they will handle Social Security. Margin (D-R)

30. +53 -8 -14 -61 -68 Neither 8 9 12 9 9 Republicans in Congress also hold a 14-point advantage over President Obama on Social Security among Florida independents. Who do you think will better handle the issue of Social Security: [ROTATE: _the Republicans in Congress, _President Obama], or are they both about the same? *28% of Undecideds and 26% of independents say Republicans in Congress and President Obama are “ Both about the same ” in how they will handle Social Security. -5 14 Margin (D-R)

31. In a generic ballot for the 2012 Florida Senate race, voters lean toward the Republican candidate by five points if the election were held today. Over one-quarter are currently undecided. I know it is a long way off, but thinking about the elections for U.S. Senate in 2012, if the election for Senate were held today, and you had to make a choice, would you be voting for the [ROTATE: DEMOCRATIC SENATE CANDIDATE or the REPUBLICAN SENATE CANDIDATE] in [INSERT STATE NAME]? -5 Darker colors indicate intensity

32. Appendix

33. Close to half (47 percent) of Florida voters report that they, or a member of their family, are currently receiving Social Security benefits. One quarter of these voters are currently undecided on who they will vote for in the 2012 Senate elections in Florida. -7 -5 -3 25 27 29 Undecided (% of electorate) I know it is a long way off, but thinking about the elections for U.S. Senate in 2012, if the election for Senate were held today, and you had to make a choice, would you be voting for the [ROTATE: DEMOCRATIC SENATE CANDIDATE or the REPUBLICAN SENATE CANDIDATE] in [INSERT STATE NAME]? Margin (D-R) Are you or is a member of your family currently receiving Social Security benefits?

34. Demographic Profile of the Florida Electorate

35. Celinda Lake [email_address] Alysia Snell asnell@ lakeresearch.com Llorin Edwards ledwards @ lakeresearch.com Washington, DC | Berkeley, CA | New York, NY LakeResearch.com 202.776.9066