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EqSD Poll released!

Thursday, 31 December 2009 18:51

As the new year approaches, the race for Governor is wide-open. That is the conclusion of a scientific survey commissioned by Equality South Dakota, a non partisan organization dedicated to equal rights for all South Dakotans, especially those who are gay or transgender.

“Our poll was conducted to see whether South Dakotans were receptive to our own efforts to achieve equality for gay South Dakotans, and we were pleased to discover that the answer is a resounding “yes” said Robert Doody, chair of EqSD. But as long as we were commissioning a scientific survey, we wanted to ask about the Governor’s race as well. As far as we know, these are the first results of a scientific survey to be publicly disclosed.

The good news for Lt. Governor Dennis Daugaard is that he enjoys a lead of nearly two-to-one over his principal primary opponent, Dave Knudson. But the bad news for Daugaard is that Democrat Scott Heidepriem is close on his heels. Moreover, despite Daugaard’s success raising money and his already high name recognition, more than 70% of voters still count themselves “undecided.” Here are complete results, as tabulated by Robinson and Muenster, a nationally respected polling firm headquartered in Sioux Falls:

If the race for Governor in South Dakota were held today, for whom would you vote?

400  TOTAL ANSWERING

11.0%  Dennis Daugaard

2.3%  Scott Munsterman

4.8%  Dave Knudson

9.5%  Scott Heidepreim

70.3%  Undecided

2.3%  Refused

“Of course, like all South Dakotans, we were curious about the Governor’s race,” said Doody. “But we commissioned our scientific survey to see whether South Dakotans favor equality for all South Dakotans, including gay and transgender South Dakotans, and we are elated with the results: For example:

With regard to employment and job opportunities, do you think everyone should be treated equally, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity?

400  TOTAL ANSWERING

83.0%  Yes

9.5%  No

7.5%  Don't know/unsure

We asked other, related questions, but the universal result is that South Dakotans are tolerant and receptive to the idea of equality for all. We will release more details later. But for now, gay and transgender South Dakotans and their families have a special reason to celebrate the holiday season, and to thank their fellow South Dakotans for their good will to all.”

Equality South Dakota (EqSD) was formed in 2007 as a non-partisan, advocacy organization. Our mission is to secure and protect the rights and wellbeing of gay and transgender South Dakotans and their families. We envision a South Dakota where everyone can live safely, honestly and openly at work, at home, and in the community regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. We’re all about promoting fairness and equality through constructive dialogue.

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