Based on the results of a KCTS 9 Washington Poll, there is a force in Washington state more popular than the President is – a supermajority vote requirement for tax increases. According to the Poll:

  • I-1185: Yes – 54.1%; No 30.9%
  • President: Obama – 51.9%; Romney – 42.9%
  • Obama Favorability: 53.7%

In fact, I-1185 polls the highest of any of the other ballot measures:

  • I-1185: Yes – 54.1%; No – 30.9%
  • R-74: Yes – 52.9%; No – 46.6% (adjusted voter model)
  • I-1240: Yes – 48.8%; No – 40.1%
  • I-502: Yes – 47.1%; No – 40.1%

Another interesting tidbit was the poll’s finding that Washington voters still have no love of income taxes. Voters were asked:

“The state of Washington is currently facing a budget deficit of over $1.4 billion dollars. In an effort to reduce the deficit some people have suggested that we create a state income tax only on households making more than 500 hundred thousand dollars per year. Do you agree or disagree with the creation of a state income tax on wealthy households?”

Strongly agree: 20.5%
Somewhat agree: 15.0%
Somewhat disagree: 14.1%
Strongly disagree: 43.7%
Neither: 3.0%
Don’t know: 3.4%

Hopefully in a month from now we’ll know the voters’ final verdict on all the state’s races. (Yes, I said a month instead of by November 6).

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[Reprinted with permission from the Washington Policy Center blog]