04/2010 - Are Politics Destroying Democracy?

1. What one word best describes your impression of Louisiana state politics these days? Just use the first word that comes to mind.

2. Which of the following comes closest to your view even if neither is exactly right?

3. Please tell whether you strongly agree, agree, neither agree nor disagree, disagree or strongly disagree with the following statement.

In dealing with the important issues facing the state, state leaders are generally willing to put aside party politics and do what is right.

4. Please tell whether you strongly agree, agree, neither agree nor disagree, disagree or strongly disagree with the following statement.

An average person like me has little or no say in Louisiana state politics.

5. Now thinking about the way decisions are made in the state capitol – and not about the decisions themselves - would you say the process for making decisions works pretty well or would you say the process is broken and needs to be fixed?

6. In general, would you say politics in Louisiana are more partisan or less partisan than politics in Washington, or would you say there isn’t much difference?

7. If someone close to you told you they were thinking of running for political office, would you encourage them to do so?

8. IF YES: Why would you encourage them to run?

9. IF NO: Why would you encourage them not to run?

10. In general, how honest do you think Louisiana’s elected officials are relative to the average Louisiana resident? Would you say they are:

11. And, when state political leaders debate issues facing Louisiana do you think they are more civil today compared to 10 years ago, less civil, or about as civil as they were 10 years ago?