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                            February 21, 201253% Believe Home Worth More Than Purchase Price, Down 27 Points from 2008
The number of homeowners who think their home is worth more than they paid for it remains low.  The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of U.S. homeowners finds that 53% believe their home is worth more money than when they bought it. That’s little changed since December.  But it's down nine points from October, and down 27 points since June 2008.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)
(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.
The national survey of 706 Adult Homeowners was conducted on February 17-18, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

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                            February 20, 2012Generic Congressional Ballot: Republicans 42%, Democrats 41%
Republicans hold a narrow one-point lead over Democrats on the latest Generic Congressional Ballot, this time for the week ending Sunday, Feb. 19. 
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 42% of Likely U.S. Voters would vote for the Republican in their district’s congressional race if the election were held today, while 41% would choose the Democrat instead.
The national telephone survey of 3,500 Likely Voters was conducted by Rasmussen Reports from February 13-19, 2012. The margin of sampling error for the survey is +/- 2 percentage point with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

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                            February 20, 201257% Say Home Worth More Than What They Still Owe
Amidst reports that sales of new and existing houses were up in January, confidence among homeowners that the value of their home will increase in the next five years is at its highest level in over a year, as is the number who believe their house is worth more than what they still owe on it. 
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 57% of Adult Homeowners think the value of their home is worth more than their mortgage.  That finding is up slightly from mid-January, but is at the highest level measured since early January of last year. Since then, this figure has generally remained in the high 40s to low 50s. 
Nearly one-in-three homeowners (32%) don’t believe their home is worth more than what they owe on their mortgage. Another 11% are not sure.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)
(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.
The national survey of 706 Adult Homeowners was conducted on February 17-18, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

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                            February 20, 201254% Favor Full Combat Role for Women in Military
Most voters think women should be allowed to serve in the same combat military roles as men but also believe they should be able to pass the same physical tests as men do if they’re going to be in the Green Berets or Navy SEALs.
The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 22% of Likely U.S. Voters incorrectly believe that women in the military are already allowed to fight on the front lines and perform all the combat roles that men do. Fifty-six percent (56%) recognizing that this is not true. Twenty-one percent (21%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)
The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on February 16-17, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

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                            February 20, 201253% Favor Repeal of Health Care Law, 50% Say It's Likely
Despite the controversy over the Obama administration’s requirement that Catholic institutions provide free contraceptive coverage for employees, voters’ opinions on the health care law behind that requirement remain steady. Just over half of voters still want the law repealed.
The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of Likely U.S. Voters shows 53% at least somewhat favor repeal of the health care law, while 38% oppose repeal. These figures include 41% who Strongly Favor repeal and 28% who are Strongly Opposed.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)
The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on February 18-19, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.
February 20, 2012Prudence Is Key to Reversing Obama's 'Soft Despotism' By Michael Barone
Many Republican House members, and the bloggers and tea partiers who cheered their victory in gaining a majority in November 2010, seem to be seething with discontent and eager for confrontation.

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                            February 20, 2012Washington, Lincoln More Popular Than Their Holiday
Americans continue to have an overwhelmingly favorable opinion of Abraham Lincoln but are strongly opposed to celebrating his February 12 birthday as a separate holiday. They’re satisfied instead to celebrate Lincoln’s birthday along with George Washington’s on Presidents’ Day today.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 84% of American Adults share at least a somewhat favorable opinion of the president known as the Great Emancipator, including 60% with a Very Favorable view of him. Just 10% hold a somewhat unfavorable or Very Unfavorable regard for the 16th U.S. president who served during the U.S. Civil War. (To see survey question wording, click here.)
(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.
The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on February 15-16, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

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                            February 19, 201246% Say Driving Is Something They Really Enjoy
Americans have grown a little fonder of driving over the years, but a sizable number still says it's strictly for getting around.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 46% of American Adults view driving a car as something they really enjoy rather than just something they have to do to get from one place to another. That’s up from 43% a year ago and 39% the year before. 
 
But 50% still see driving as primarily a way to get from one place to another. This finding is little changed from last year but is down from 56% in 2010. (To see survey question wording, click here.)
(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.
The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on February 13-14, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

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                            February 19, 201240% Consider Reagan Most Influential President Of Last 50 Years
Americans continue to believe Ronald Reagan is the most influential president of the last half century, but they are a bit more divided over which president should be next in line to be honored by a federal holiday.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of American Adults shows that 40% regard Reagan as the most influential president of the past 50 years. Bill Clinton is a distant second with 16%, closely followed by John F. Kennedy with 14%. Barack Obama, who is making his first appearance in this question, comes in fourth with 11%. (To see survey question wording, click here.)
Just five percent (5%) say Richard Nixon was most influential, followed by Lyndon B. Johnson (4%). Both Jimmy Carter and George W. Bush are seen as the most influential by three percent (3%), while just one percent (1%) see George H.W. Bush that way.
(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.
The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on February 15-16, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.
February 18, 2012What They Told Us: Reviewing Last Week’s Key Polls - Week Ending February 17, 2012
Politics is often a game of inches, especially when you’ve got a contest like this year’s for the White House. Gains in the economy or even perceptions that it’s improving could be enough to get President Obama across the finish line ahead of his Republican opponent.
For the first time in over two years, the number of Americans who believe the economy will be stronger one year from now is slightly higher than the number who expect it to be weaker. Thirty-seven percent (37%) believe the economy will be stronger in one year, up 10 points from November’s all-time low of 27%, while 35% expect it to be weaker a year from now.
The Rasmussen Consumer and Investor Indexes show a continuing gain in confidence among both groups, compared to a year ago.

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                            February 18, 201268% Likely To Buy Girl Scout Cookies This Year
For some adults, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. Not Christmas, but the arrival of Girl Scout cookies.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 68% of American Adults are at least somewhat likely to buy Girl Scout cookies this year, including 47% who are Very Likely to do so. That’s up slightly from last year. Thirty-one percent (31%) are not planning on buying any cookies, including 11% who are Not at All Likely to buy. (To see survey question wording, click here.)
The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on February 9-10, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.
February 17, 201246% Say America’s Best Days Are In The Past
While economic confidence appears to be improving, a sizable number of U.S. voters still feel America’s best days are behind us. 
The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 37% of Likely U.S. Voters say the country’s best days are in the future.  Forty-six percent (46%) feel America’s best days are in the past, and 17% are not sure.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)
The national survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on February 12-13, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC . See methodology.

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                            February 17, 2012Obama Up Big In California Against Romney, Santorum
President Obama leads both Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum by more than 20 points in California,  as nearly six-out-of-ten voters approve of the way he's handling his job.
 
 New Rasmussen Reports data shows that if Romney is the Republican nominee, Obama leads 57% to 35%.
 
 If Santorum becomes the GOP standard bearer, the president leads 58% to 30%.
 
 President Obama leads Romney by 23 points among unaffiliated voters and Santorum by 34 points among the same group.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)
(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.
This California survey of 500 Likely Voters was conducted February 8-16, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

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                            February 17, 2012Obama Up Big In California Against Romney, Santorum
President Obama leads both Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum by more than 20 points in California,  as nearly six-out-of-ten voters approve of the way he's handling his job.
 
New Rasmussen Reports data shows that if Romney is the Republican nominee, Obama leads 57% to 35%.
 
If Santorum becomes the GOP standard bearer, the president leads 58% to 30%.
 
President Obama leads Romney by 23 points among unaffiliated voters and Santorum by 34 points among the same group.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)
(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.
This California survey of 500 Likely Voters was conducted February 8-16, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.
February 17, 2012Missiles Aimed at Social Security and Medicare By Froma Harrop
Missiles are pointed at Social Security and Medicare, the broad-based programs for older Americans. Some are stealth missiles. Some are misguided missiles. But both parties are pointing them.
February 17, 2012Arizona GOP Primary: Romney 39%, Santorum 31%, Gingrich 15%, Paul 7%
The Arizona Republican Primary race has tightened dramatically over the past two weeks, but former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney remains in first place with Rick Santorum close behind. The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Likely Arizona Republican Primary Voters finds Romney with 39% support to Santorum’s 31%. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is a distant third with 15% of the vote, followed by Texas Congressman Ron Paul at seven percent (7%). Three percent (3%) prefer some other candidate in the race, and five percent (5%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)
This Arizona survey of 750 Likely Republican Primary Voters was conducted on February 16, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

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                            February 17, 2012Numbers Suggest Santorum Could Be Romney's Worst Nightmare
In a campaign defined by Republican reluctance to embrace Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum has emerged as the latest not-Romney candidate to surge ahead. While it's impossible to predict what will happen in this volatile election season, the data suggests that Santorum might be more of a challenge for Romney than earlier flavors of the month.

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                            February 17, 201252% Favor Candidate Who Would Raise Taxes on Wealthy
Voters appear to be showing a little less resistance to tax increases, and for the first time ever a majority would support a candidate who promised to raise taxes only on the wealthy over one who was against all tax increases.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 35% of Likely U.S. Voters would vote for a candidate who promised to oppose all tax increases. Fifty-two percent (52%) instead would prefer a candidate who promised to raise taxes only on the rich. That’s up five points from last month and is the highest level of support measured in four years of regular tracking.  Thirteen percent (13%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)
Additional information from this survey and a full demographic breakdown are available to Platinum Members only.
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                            February 16, 2012Ford Still Viewed More Favorably Than GM, Chrysler
More Americans than ever have a favorable opinion of Ford, the one Big Three automaker who didn't need a taxpayer bailout to stay in business. 
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 76% of American Adults have at least a somewhat favorable impression of Ford. That’s up from 73% last September but consistent with findings since the 2008-2009 auto bailouts. Eighteen percent (18%) have an unfavorable opinion of Ford.  The new findings include 39% with a Very Favorable impression of the Detroit-based manufacturer and just six percent (6%) with a Very Unfavorable one.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)
(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.
The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on February 13-14, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.
February 16, 201246% Say It’s Possible For Any American Seeking Work To Find A Job
Americans are growing a bit more confident that anyone looking for a job can find one, but they still don’t necessarily think anyone who works hard in this country can get rich.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of U.S. Adults shows that 46% believe it is possible for anyone who really wants to work to find a job. That’s up only slightly from 44% in November, but it’s the highest level of confidence measured since May 2009. Thirty-seven percent (37%) do not think it’s possible for anyone who wants a job to find employment, down from 42% three months ago and tying the lowest level ever measured. Another 17% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)
The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on February 11-12, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.