Wasserman poll on vouchers

State representative Sheldon Wasserman posted a constituent poll that included a question on school choice. While 43% said they did not support the program, 44% supported one of three expansion proposals (remove the income limits, expand state-wide, or do both). The remainder had no opinion. Oddly the expansion proposals are more radical than those proposed by the choice coalition. Apparently the position adopted by mayor Barrett and governor Doyle--keep the program as it is--was not included as an option.

Constituent polls are notoriously unreliable as random samples of all opinion. This poll is particularly interesting, however, when opinions on choice are compared to responses on other issues. It seems evident that the North Shore residents responding to this poll are a predominantly liberal group. For example, the ratio of those describing themselves as pro-choice to pro-life was about 3 to one. 81% opposed concealed weapons. And 71% supported same-sex marriage or civil unions compared to 27% supporting present law or a constitutional amendment.

Thanks to Davey Moore for pointing out the link to this poll.