News Editor Kate Nagle and Harvard's John Della Volpe
RI Democratic Governor Gina Raimondo leads Republican Cranston Mayor Allan Fung by 8 points according to a new poll conducted by Harvard’s John Della Volpe and commissioned by GoLocalPov.com.
The poll conducted with 502 registered Rhode Island voters between October 5 – October 9, 2018, finds Raimondo with 40 percent of the vote, Fung with 32 percent, and Trillo with 17 percent.
The combination of Fung and Trillo’s vote represents nearly 50 percent of the Rhode Island vote.
“Since our last poll in June, Raimondo has seen a 2 percent improvement and Fung has lost 6 percent. People seem to be getting more comfortable with Raimondo and Trillo is a difficult factor for Fung," said Della Volpe.
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Della Volpe said that many Rhode Islanders believe the state is doing better than in June and may make Rhode Islanders more comfortable with Raimondo.
Fung has lost substantial support with independents.
The poll explored how Rhode Islanders ranked each of the candidates against critical issues like education, taxes and healthcare.
Raimondo is perceived to be significantly better on issues like education and healthcare.
Reaction by the Candidates
"Polls go up. Polls go down. Governor Raimondo is bringing real change to Rhode Island and is focused on earning the support and votes of Rhode Islanders. Over the last four years, the state has added 15,000+ jobs, unemployment is the lowest it’s been in nearly 20 years, we have the nation’s 17th best economy, we’ve raised the minimum wage, and made record investments in K-12 education. Allan Fung and Joe Trillo root against Rhode Island and will undo all of that progress," said Mike Raia of the Raimondo campaign.
Fung is believed to be stronger — only moderately — on the issues of taxes.
“This poll is more in line with the internal polling of my campaign, which has us much higher,” said Trillo.
“While I see my path to victory through the math, I know this still understates my support,” said Trillo.
“I knew when I got into this race, I was going up against two candidates who had name recognition of 95% to 99%. While I am still building mine, I am hoping that my message of the issues that Rhode Islanders care about will be heard in the next few weeks and I am confident that I can win this election,” he added.
“I am continuing to reach more and more voters and as they hear my independent platform and record, I hope to continue eating into my opponent's numbers," added Trillo
Negatives -- Raimondo still has high negatives. For Raimondo -- 45 percent of Rhode Islanders are "unlikely" and will "never" vote for her.
Fung's negatives are similar to Raimondo's as 49 percent say they are "unlikely" or will "never" vote for him.
Said Trillo, “Analysis of this poll reveals that I have support from a cross-section of society, looking for change in how state government is run. Fung and Raimondo are incompetent, and everyone knows it. Rhode Islanders are looking for the real deal, straight talk and no B.S.”
"This poll says it loud and clear, Rhode Island does not want Gina Raimondo, and her corrupt pay to play politics, around for another four years. A vote for anyone else besides Mayor Fung gets you four more years of her incompetence and corruption," said Andrew Augustus of the Fung campaign.
SEE SLIDES BELOW
Correction: An earlier version said Raimondo's negatives were higher.
Related Slideshow: GoLocal Statewide Poll - FULL RESULTS, Conducted by Harvard’s Della Volpe Oct. 2018
Sponsor: GoLocal Prov
Sample: N=502 Rhode Island General Election Voters
Interviewing Period: October 5 – October 9, 2018
Directed by: John Della Volpe, Harvard University, SocialSphere, Inc.
Slideshow: responses are not in the order of the questionnaire
This question is about the total income of YOUR HOUSEHOLD for the PAST 12 MONTHS. Please include your income PLUS the income of all members living in your household (including cohabiting partners and armed forces members living at home).
What particular ethnic group or nationality - such as English, French, Italian, Irish, Latino, Jewish, African American, and so forth - do you consider yourself a part of or feel closest to?
When it comes to voting, do you consider yourself to be affiliated with the Democratic Party, the Republican Party, Moderate, or Unaffiliated with a major party?
In November, there will be a statewide general election for Governor and many other state offices. How likely is it that you will vote in this election? Will you definitely be voting, will you probably be voting, are you 50-50...
Next is a series of qualities and attributes that candidates for Governor could possess. Which candidate for Governor does each attribute apply to most? [RANDOMIZED]
Next is a series of qualities and attributes that candidates for Governor could possess. Which candidate for Governor does each attribute apply to most? [RANDOMIZED]
Will ensure that we have high-quality affordable health care.
Next is a series of qualities and attributes that candidates for Governor could possess. Which candidate for Governor does each attribute apply to most? [RANDOMIZED]
Next is a series of qualities and attributes that candidates for Governor could possess. Which candidate for Governor does each attribute apply to most? [RANDOMIZED]
Will make government more accountable to the people.
Next is a series of qualities and attributes that candidates for Governor could possess. Which candidate for Governor does each attribute apply to most? [RANDOMIZED]
Next is a series of qualities and attributes that candidates for Governor could possess. Which candidate for Governor does each attribute apply to most? [RANDOMIZED]
Is committed to improving education in public schools.
Next is a series of qualities and attributes that candidates for Governor could possess. Which candidate for Governor does each attribute apply to most? [RANDOMIZED]
Next is a series of qualities and attributes that candidates for Governor could possess. Which candidate for Governor does each attribute apply to most? [RANDOMIZED]
Next is a series of qualities and attributes that candidates for Governor could possess. Which candidate for Governor does each attribute apply to most? [RANDOMIZED]
Next is a series of qualities and attributes that candidates for Governor could possess. Which candidate for Governor does each attribute apply to most? [RANDOMIZED]
Next is a series of qualities and attributes that candidates for Governor could possess. Which candidate for Governor does each attribute apply to most? [RANDOMIZED]
If the election for Governor were held today and the candidates were: [ROTATE] Democrat Gina Raimondo, Republican Allan Fung and Independent Joe Trillo, for whom would you vote?
Attorney generals in several states have begun investigating sexual abuse by Roman Catholic clergy, opening investigations and issuing subpoenas for documents.
Do you favor or oppose the Rhode Island Attorney General opening an investigation into the Archdiocese of Providence on issues related to possible sexual abuse of children?
If the election for the U.S. Senate were held today and the candidates were: [ROTATE] Democrat Sheldon Whitehouse and Republican Robert Flanders, for whom would you vote?
Recently, it was announced that state officials approved a fast-track regulatory review of Massachusetts based Partners HealthCare’s proposed takeover of Care New England, Rhode Island’s second-largest hospital system, and operator Women & Infants, Butler and Kent Hospitals. [RANDOMIZED]
Do you believe the quality of care for Rhode Islanders will:
Recently, it was announced that state officials approved a fast-track regulatory review of Massachusetts based Partners HealthCare’s proposed takeover of Care New England, Rhode Island’s second-largest hospital system, and operator Women & Infants, Butler and Kent Hospitals. [RANDOMIZED]
Do you believe the number of jobs available to Rhode Islanders will:
Earlier this year, legislation was filed in the General Assembly that would require that all Rhode Island public schools have a school resource officer on the premises -- if a school has over 1,200 students -- two school resource officers would need to be present.
Do you support or oppose expanding Rhode Island’s free college tuition program at the
Community College of Rhode Island to the state’s two four-year colleges so that the last two
years of tuition at Rhode Island College and URI would be free for those recent high school
graduates, who are in a solid academic standing, and on track to graduate in four years? It is estimated that the cost of the program would be $35 million.
Do you support or oppose an Educational Bill of Rights for students and parents in Rhode Island that includes:
1) The right to be taught by effective teachers.
2) The right not to be taught by teachers who, after due process evaluation, fail to meet standards established by state and local education officials.
3) The right to appropriate academic materials and resources.
4) The right to safe, clean and environmental-friendly school facilities.
5) The right to emotionally supportive schools that do not tolerate harassment, discrimination or abuse.
6) The right to attend a school where funding is based on student need with the goal of providing
access to adequate educational opportunities.
7) The right to a pathway out of a failing school.
8) The right to a fair, accurate and transparent assessment system that measures student
performance and need.
9) The right of parents to current and reliable information about their child’s progress and performance.