Frederica Freyberg:

There is a new Wisconsin survey out this week. It’s a collaboration between Wisconsin Public Radio, Wisconsin Public Television and the Strategic Research Institute at St. Norbert College. The results led the talk on Wisconsin Public Radio for much of this week. Here and Now contributor Andy Soth gives us some of the vital statistics from the poll and some of what was said this week on WPR.

WPR Staff Member: What’s your question or comment?

Andy Soth:

It was all over Public Radio this week.

Joy Cardin:

We are talking about the results of the Wisconsin Survey.

Andy Soth

The survey asked 600 randomly-selected Wisconsinites opinions on state issues and leaders.

Joy Cardin:

What do you feel is the most important problem facing the state of Wisconsin?

Andy Soth:

This open ended question yielded a plethora of answers. At the top of the list was economy and jobs, closely followed by education. Governor Walker, the state Legislature or government in general was the top concern of 15%, while budget and taxes was the last to score double-digits.

Joy Cardin:

Talking about Scott Walker’s approval ratings, his strengths and weaknesses.

Andy Soth:

The Governor’s approval rating was turned down with this survey. Those approving or strongly approving dropped from 48 last fall to 41% this spring. With only 1% not sure, nearly everyone has an opinion.

David Blaska:

I don’t know that Scott Walker’s been down a little bit in terms of his approval ratings as Governor.

Andy Soth:

President Obama has more support in the state, with half approving or strongly approving and very few undecided. For the State Senate delegation, many more have no opinion. But Baldwin and Johnson’s approval ratings are ahead of their disapproval numbers.

Joy Cardin:

Apparently our poll respondents are concerned about proposed budget cuts for K through 12 and the UW.

Andy Soth:

Half of those polled wanted to see public school funding increased. And the proposed higher education cuts and increased autonomy for the University of Wisconsin System proved unpopular with about two-thirds of respondents.

Scott Ferret::

58% of Republicans support those cuts, while 87% of Democrats are against them.

Andy Soth:

Unsurprisingly the poll revealed a partisan divide.

David Blaska:

Wisconsin is a purple state.

Andy Soth:

Polls are sometimes called a snapshot in time. But with Governor Walker contemplating a presidential run, the times are pretty interesting.