Some people seem to follow what's going on in government and public affairs most of the time, whether there's an election or not. Others aren't that interested. How often would you say that you follow what is going on in government and public
1 = Most of the time
2 = Some of the time
3 = Only now and then
4 = Hardly at all
5 = Don't Know/Refused

Do you subscribe to a daily newspaper?
1 = yes
2 = no
3 = Don't Know/ Refused

What is your primary source for news about the state of South Carolina? Is it television news, newspapers, radio, the internet, talking with friends or family, or something else?
1 = television news
2 = newspapers
3 = radio
4 = internet
5 = friends or family
6 = something else
9 = Don't Know/ Refused

Currently, the offices of governor and lieutenant governor are elected separately in South Carolina, do you think the candidates for governor and lieutenant governor should run together on one ticket or continue to be elected separately?
1 = run together
2 = elected separately
3 = Don't Know/ Refused

In South Carolina, we have several statewide elected offices, these include the Secretary of State, Superintendent of Education, Comptroller General, Commissioner of Agriculture, and others. Some people believe that it would increase the efficiency
1 = appointed by governor
2 = continue to be elected
9 = Don't Know/ Refused

Thinking about the current path that our nation is taking, do you think our country is on the right track or headed in the wrong direction?
1 = Right Track
2 = Wrong Direction
3 = Don't Know / Refused

Now, thinking about the current path that South Carolina is taking, do you think our state is on the right track or headed in the wrong direction?
1 = Right Track
2 = Wrong Direction
9 = Don't Know / Refused

How much of the time do you think you can trust the national government in Washington to do what is right: Just about always, Most of the time, only Some of the time, or Never.
1 = Just about always
2 = Most of the time
3 = Some of the time
4 = Never
9 = Don't know/Refused

How much of the time do you think you can trust your local government to do what is right: Just about always, Most of the time, only Some of the time, or Never.
1 = Just about always
2 = Most of the time
3 = Some of the time
4 = Never
5 = Don't know/Refused

Right now, do you think that economic conditions in the country as a whole are getting better or getting worse?
1 = Getting Better
2 = Getting Worse
3 = don't know/ refused

How concerned are you about the possibility of losing your job in the next year? Are you very concerned, somewhat concerned, not very concerned, or not at all concerned...
1 = very concerned
2 = somewhat concerned
3 = not very concerned
4 = not at all concerned
9 = don't know/ refused

If you had to find a new job in the next year, do you believe that you would need additional education or job training?
1 = yes
2 = No
3 = don't know/ refused

How would you rate your financial situation today: excellent, good, only fair, or poor?
1 = Excellent
2 = Good
3 = Fair
4 = Poor
9 = don't know/ refused

Right now do you think that your financial situation as a whole is getting better or getting worse?
1 = Better
2 = Worse
9 = don't know/ refused

Some people believe that providing school vouchers to parents so they can send their children to private schools would best help parents get their children out of failing public schools, while others feel that vouchers take desperately needed money
1 = favor
2 = oppose
3 = don't know enough to say
9 = refused

Some people believe that elected officials best serve their constituents when they remain strongly loyal to their party. Others believe that they best serve their constituents when they are willing to work together with members of the opposing
1 = remaining loyal to their party
2 = working with the opposition party
3 = not sure (volunteered)
9 = refused (volunteered)

Some have proposed that South Carolina increase the cigarette tax and use the money to either [Rotate] reduce income tax on the highest income bracket or to offset increasing Medicaid costs, which of these proposals would you prefer or would you
1 = reduce income tax on highest bracket
2 = offset Medicaid costs
3 = cigarette tax not increased
9 = Don't Know/ Refused

Do you smoke cigarettes?
1 = yes
2 = no
9 = don't know/ refused

Some have proposed a small increase in the gasoline tax for the purpose of improving South Carolina's roadways and repairing old bridges. Would you favor or oppose such a proposal?
1 = favor
2 = oppose
9 = don't know/ refused

Do you believe that current criminal penalties for domestic abuse in South Carolina are too harsh, about right, or too lenient?
1 = too harsh
2 = about right
3 = too lenient
4 = not sure/ don't know [volunteered]
9 = refused

Have you ever gotten a loan from a payday lender?
1 = yes
2 = no
3 = not sure
9 = refused

Other states have regulated the payday lending industry in both of the following ways. Which of the following would you prefer for South Carolina[Rotate] capping the amount of interest and fees that payday lenders may charge or outlawing the
1 = capping the amount of interest
2 = outlawing
3 = not sure
9 = refused

Some believe that money has too much influence in state elections while others feel that our current system works just fine. Would you support or oppose a proposal for South Carolina to have a system of public financing for candidates who agree to
1 = strongly support
2 = somewhat support
3 = somewhat oppose
4 = strongly oppose
5 = not sure
9 = refused

1 = Global warming is real and is occurring now
2 = Global warming is real but won't be a problem for a long time
3 = The effects of global warming are being exaggerated
4 = Global warming is not real
5 = Not sure [volunteered]
9 = Refused [volunteered]

Which do you think explains most of the reason that global warming is occurring:[rotate]global warming is mostly the result of human activity global warming is mostly the result of natural causes
1 = global warming is mostly the result of human activity
2 = global warming is mostly the result of natural causes
3 = both equally [volunteered]
4 = not sure [volunteered]
9 = refused [volunteered]

Do you approve or disapprove of the way George W. Bush is doing his job as president?
1 = approve
2 = disapprove
3 = not sure
9 = refused

Do you believe that the war in Iraq has made America safer or created additional threats to our security?
1 = safer
2 = additional threats
3 = not sure
9 = refused

Some have argued that stability in Iraq will require stepped up efforts from the Iraqi government. Which of the following do you think would be most likely to spur or aid action by the Iraqi government:[rotate]
1 = begin drawing down combat troops as an incentive to the Iraqi government to step up
2 = leave combat troops in place as a buffer to protect the Iraqi government while it works
3 = leave it to the military/ generals to decide [volunteered]
4 = not sure [volunteered]
9 = refused [volunteered]

What action do you think the next president of the United States should take with regard to the level of US troops in Iraq [Rotate]
1 = draw down the number of combat troops but leave a smaller defensive force
2 = gradually reduce all troop levels with the goal of completely withdrawing in time
3 = immediately withdraw all troops
4 = do not change current troop levels
5 = increase troop levels
6 = leave it to the military/ generals to decide [volunteered]
7 = not sure [volunteered]
9 = refused [volunteered]

Many people are debating about how to better control health care costs and increase the number of people covered. One idea would require those who can afford it to purchase private health insurance while the government provides coverage for those
1 = favor
2 = oppose
3 = haven't though much
9 = refused

Which one is your primary insurance?
1 = employer (self or spouse)
2 = Medicare
3 = Medicaid
4 = privately purchased plan
5 = other
6 = not sure
9 = refused

How important is the issue of illegal immigration to you -- Extremely important, Very important, Somewhat important, Not too important, or Not important at all?
1 = extremely important
2 = very important
3 = somewhat important
4 = not too important
5 = not important at all
9 = don't know/ refused

1 = Developing a plan for halting the flow of illegal immigrants into the U.S
2 = Developing a plan to deal with illegal immigrants who are already in the U.S
3 = both be given the same priority
4 = not sure
9 = refused

Which statement comes closest to your opinion on illegal immigration--[Rotate answers]---Immigrants who do not currently have legal status should be allowed to pay a fine and stay in the US while they apply for citizenship, or Immigrants who do not
1 = allowed to pay a fine and stay in the US while they apply for citizenship
2 = immediately deported
3 = allowed to pay a fine and stay as temporary workers
4 = not sure
9 = refused

Some have suggested that a law be passed in South Carolina to require that all state services, publications and materials be offered in English only. Do you believe that such a law is necessary, unnecessary, or haven't you thought much about this?
1 = necessary
2 = unnecessary
3 = haven't thought much about it
9 = refused

Would you support or oppose the passage of such a law?
1 = support
2 = oppose
3 = not sure
9 = refused

Do you think abortion should be legal under any circumstances, legal only under certain circumstances, or illegal in all circumstances?
1 = legal under any
2 = legal only under certain
3 = illegal in all
4 = not sure
9 = refused

I’m going to read a list of things that some people do. For each, thinking about your own values and morals, I’d like you to tell me whether you think it is acceptable or unacceptable.The first is sex between two adults of the same sex. Is that
1 = strongly acceptable
2 = somewhat acceptable
3 = somewhat unacceptable
4 = strongly unacceptable
5 = don't' know/ not sure
9 = refused

Would you say that crime committed by gangs in your local area is a major problem, a minor problem, or not much of a problem at all?
1 = major
2 = minor
3 = not much
4 = not sure
9 = refused

Would you say that gang violence in your local area has increased, decreased, or remained about the same over the past 3 years?
1 = increased
2 = decreased
3 = remained same
4 = not sure
9 = refused

Which of the following comes closest to your view of the Bible?[rotate]1. The inspired word of God2. A great book of wisdom and history 3. A book of myths and legends
1 = The inspired word of God
2 = A great book of wisdom and history
3 = A book of myths and legends
4 = not sure [volunteered]
9 = refused [volunteered]

Is the Bible true, to be taken word for word; true, but not to be taken word for word; or true for religion, but with some errors.
1 = True, to be taken word for word
2 = True, but not to be taken word for word
3 = True for religion, but with some errors.
4 = not sure [volunteered]
9 = refused [volunteered]

How important would you say religion is in your own life: Very important, fairly important, or not very important?
1 = very important
2 = fairly important
3 = not very important
9 = refused

What, if any, is your religious preference: Are you Protestant, Roman Catholic, Jewish, Mormon, Jehovah's Witness, Muslim, or an Orthodox religion such as the Greek or Russian Orthodox Church?
1 = Protestant
2 = Roman Catholic
3 = Jewish
4 = Mormon
5 = Jehovah's Witness
6 = Muslim
7 = Orthodox
8 = No religious preference
9 = Don't know/Refused

Which protestant denomination are you? (interviewer: if answer is under 10 code as 09,08,07, 06, etc.)
1 = Baptist -- Southern
2 = Baptist - American
3 = Baptist - Independent
4 = Baptist -- other
5 = Methodist
6 = Episcopalian
7 = Presbyterian
8 = Church of Christ
9 = Church of God in Christ
10 = AME [African Methodist Episcopal]
11 = AME - Zion
12 = Pentecostal
13 = Nazarenes
14 = Lutheran
15 = Non-Denominational
16 = Other
99 = refused

Other than during religious services, how often do you read the Bible – daily or more often, a few times a week, weekly, a few times a month, monthly, less than monthly, or rarely or never?
1 = daily or more
2 = few times a week
3 = weekly
4 = a few times a month
5 = monthly
6 = less than monthly
7 = rarely or never
9 = refused

Aside from weddings and funerals how often do you attend religious services... more than once a week, once a week, once or twice a month, a few times a year, seldom, or never?
1 = More than once a week
2 = Once a week
3 = Once or twice a month
4 = A few times a year
5 = Seldom
6 = Never
9 = Don't know/Refused

Which of the following statements comes closest to your beliefs:[rotate]
1 = God gave man dominion over the earth
2 = God made man steward over the earth
3 = not sure [volunteered]
9 = refused [volunteered]

Do you believe in the Rapture of the Church, that is, that before the world comes to an end, the religiously faithful will be saved and taken up to Heaven?--Do you feel that way strongly or somewhat?
1 = Strongly Believe
2 = Somewhat believe
3 = Somewhat Do Not Believe
4 = Strongly Do Not Believe
5 = Not Sure [volunteered]
9 = Refused [volunteered]

How would you describe your political beliefs, Very Liberal, Somewhat Liberal, Moderate, Somewhat Conservative, Very Conservative?
1 = Very Liberal
2 = Somewhat Liberal
3 = Moderate
4 = Somewhat Conservative
5 = Very Conservative
6 = Not sure
9 = refused

Generally speaking, do you consider yourself a Republican, a Democrat, or an Independent?
1 = Republican
2 = Democrat
3 = Independent
4 = Other
9 = Don't know/Refused

Would you call yourself a strong Democrat or a not very strong Democrat?
1 = Strong Democrat
2 = Not very strong Democrat
9 = Don't know/Refused

Would you call yourself a strong Republican or a not very strong Republican?
1 = Strong Republican
2 = Not very strong Republican
9 = Don't know/Refused

Would you say that you are closer to the Republican Party, closer to the Democratic Party, or closer to neither?
1 = Closer to Republican
2 = Closer to Democrat
3 = Closer to Neither
9 = Don't know/Refused

What is your race or ethnicity?
1 = Caucasian
2 = African American
3 = Hispanic
4 = Asian
5 = Native American
6 = Multiracial
7 = Other
9 = dk/r

Which of the following Most Accurately describes you? Are you employed full-time outside the home, employed part-time outside the home, retired, a homemaker, unable to work due to disability, or a full-time student who may or may not also work?
1 = Full-time outside the home
2 = Part-time outside the home
3 = Retired
4 = Homemaker
5 = Unemployed
6 = Disability
7 = Full time student
8 = Employed at home
9 = Don't Know / Refused

What is the highest level of education you have completed?
1 = Less than High School
2 = High School graduate / GED
3 = Some college
4 = Two-year tech college grad
5 = Four-year college degree
6 = Post Graduate
9 = Don't Know / Refused

Which of the following best describes your marital status: Currently married, living together with a partner, widowed, divorced, separated, or never married?
1 = Currently married
2 = Living together with a partner
3 = Widowed
4 = Divorced
5 = Separated
6 = Never married
9 = Don't Know / Refused

Which of the following categories best describes your TOTAL household YEARLY income? Please stop me when I reach the correct category.Under 15k,15-20k, 20-30k, 30-40k, 40-50k, 50-75k, 75-100k, over 100k
1 = Under $15K
2 = $15-20K
3 = $20-30K
4 = $30-40K
5 = $40-50K
6 = $50-75K
7 = $75-100K
8 = Over $100K
9 = Don't Know / Refused

Which of the following comes closest to your preference regarding U.S. policy toward global warming?
1 = The U.S. government should take immediate action to combat global warming
2 = The U.S. government should continue to try to understand global warming and adopt modest policy as needed
3 = The U.S. government should take no action regarding global warming
4 = Not Sure [volunteered]
9 = refused [volunteered]

That is all the information we’re looking for today! Thank you very much for your assistance.[caller: record sex of the respondent]
1 = male
2 = female
9 = not sure