Politics & Government

NH Voters: GOP to Blame for Shutdown

Forty-nine percent of those responding to a recent New England College poll said they feel Republicans are at fault.

By Marc Fortier

A New England College poll released Tuesday lays the blame for the government shutdown squarely at the feet of Republicans.

In a poll of 1,063 registered voters last week, the results show 49 percent blame the GOP and 30 percent blame President Obama for the ongoing gridlock. Sixteen percent of those who responded blamed both sides equally.

When asked about their opinion regarding the work of the Tea Party, 49 percent disapproved of the group, while 40 percent said they approve of it, for an overall -9 percent rating. The President’s approval rating was 55 percent to 42 percent in support of the job he is doing, for an overall +13 percent.

"We have long known that people are frustrated with what is going on in Washington, but our numbers show where that frustration is aimed," said Ben Tafoya, director of the NEC Poll. "The NEC poll shows voters lay blame at the feet of Republicans.  As we transition into an election year, there has yet to be any sign of a Republican wave of support for the mid-terms."

The NEC Poll also reports that 58 percent of Granite Staters support the Affordable Care Act. Thirty-eight percent of those polled said they disapprove of the program, and 5 percent said they were unsure. 

"It is early, and there is plenty of time for shifts in voter opinion, but right now, the momentum rests with one party," said Wayne Lesperance, director of NEC's Center of Civic Engagement. "Republicans may need to regroup and redefine their mission going forward, as they work to present a clear alternative to the President and fellow democrats."


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