Gravis Marketing Poll: Nebraska Senate Results

Gravis Research By Gravis Research September 9, 2013

Gravis Marketing Poll-
Nebraska US Senate Republican Primary Poll

Marketing Poll Executive Summary

Gravis Marketing Poll conducted a random survey of 1,842 registered Nebraska voters on 9/6/2013 to 9/7/2013 regarding Republican Senate candidates.  All survey participants must have had voted in at least one Republican primary.  Overall, the poll carries a 2.2% margin of error.

Key Findings

  • Osborn leads with 41%, while Dinsdale has 7%, Sasse has 5%, and McLeay with 2%.
  • 44% of survey participants were unsure
  • Besides Osborn, Dinsdale, Sasse, and McLeay have a name recognition problem, with 91%, 81%, and 86% of survey participants unaware of them.
  • Osborn has a favorability advantage, with 44% to 9% favorability to unfavorability range.

The results of the questions are given here, with full crosstabulation available from Gravis Marketing.

If the Republican Primary for the 2014 Nebraska U.S. Senate race were held today, would you vote for Shane Osborn, Bart McLeay, Sid Dinsdale or Ben Sasse?

As shown below, 44% indicated they don’t know, while Osborn gathered 41%, Dinsdale received 7%, Sasse ended up with 5%, and McLeay garnered 2%.

Nebraska Senate Republicans

Have you heard of Shane Osborn?

Most of the survey participants were aware of Osborn at 80% compared to 20% who were unaware of him.

Heard of Osborn

Do you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of Shane Osborn?

Although 80% of respondents were aware of Osborn, only 44% gave a favorable opinion of him, while 9% had an unfavorable opinion.  Interestingly, most were unsure about their opinion of Shane Osborn.

Favorable or Unfavorable Opinion of Osborn
Have you heard of Bart McLeay? 

Survey respondents were generally unaware of McLeay, with 91% indicating they hadn’t heard of McLeay compared to 9% who had.

Heard of McLeay
Do you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of Bart McLeay?

Most survey participants had no opinion of McLeay at 86%.  Of the 14% of individuals with an opinion, 10% indicated they had an unfavorable opinion of McLeay while 4% had a favorable opinion.

Favorable or Unfavorable Opinion of McLeay
Have you heard of Sid Dinsdale? 

Most respondents had not heard of Sid Dinsdale, with 81% unaware of him compared to 19% who were aware of him.

Heard of Dinsdale

Do you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of Sid Dinsdale?

Akin to Dinsdale’s 81% unknown figure, 81% of respondents had no opinion of Dinsdale, while 10% had an unfavorable opinion of him and 9% had a favorable opinion.

Favorable or Unfavorable Opinion of Dinsdale

Have you heard of Ben Sasse?

Overall, 86% of respondents had not heard of Sasse, while 14% had.

Heard of Sasse

Do you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of Ben Sasse?   

Regarding favorability, 83% had no opinion, while 10% had an unfavorable opinion and 7% had a favorable opinion.

Favorable or Unfavorable Opinion of Sasse

Survey Questions

1.  Are you registered to vote?

Potential answers: Yes; No

2.  Have you heard of Shane Osborn?

Potential answers: Yes; No

3.  Do you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of Shane Osborn?

Potential answers: Favorable; Unfavorable; Undecided or don’t know

4.  Have you heard of Bart McLeay?
Potential answers: Yes; No
5.  Do you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of him?
Potential answers: Favorable; Unfavorable; Undecided or don’t know
6.  Have you heard of Sid Dinsdale?
Potential answers: Yes; No
7.  Do you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of him?
Potential answers: Favorable; Unfavorable; Undecided or don’t know

8.  Have you heard of Ben Sasse?
Potential answers: Yes; No
9.  Do you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of him?
Potential answers: Favorable; Unfavorable; Undecided or don’t know

10.  If the Republican Primary for the 2014 Nebraska U.S. Senate race were held today, would you vote for Shane Osborn, Bart McLeay, Sid Dinsdale or Ben Sasse?
Potential answers: Shane Osborn; Bart McLeay; Sid Dinsdale; Ben Sasse; Other or Undecided

11.  What is your Political Party Affiliation?
Potential answers: Republican; Democrat; Independent or in another party

12.  Are you Hispanic?
Potential answers: Yes; No

13.  What race do you identify yourself as?
Potential answers: White/Caucasian; African-American; Asian; Other; Don’t wish to answer

14.  Which of the following best represents your religious affiliation?
Potential answers: Roman Catholic; Protestant/other non-denominational Christian; Evangelical Christian; Jewish; Muslim; Other/no affiliation

15.  What is the highest level of education you have completed?
Potential answers: Some high school, no diploma; High school graduate; Some College; Bachelor’s degree; Post Graduate

16.  How old are you?
Potential answers: 18-29; 30 -44; 45 – 54; 55 – 65; Over 65

17.  What is your Gender?
Potential answers: Male; Female

Note: the statistical methodology comprised weighing various demographic groups to ensure appropriate representation.  The polls were conducted using automated telephone.