Columnist Jon Ralston: Survey sheds light on state of politics

Sunday, July 23, 2000 | 10:24 a.m.

Jon Ralston, who publishes the Ralston Report, writes a column for the Sun on Sundays and Wednesdays. Ralston can be reached at 870-7997 or by e-mail at ralston@vegas.com.

So how does the insiders' view of politicians and government bodies and issues jibe with the public's perception? That is, do the benighted masses see things as clearly as we omniscient observers?

A recent survey of 600 statewide voters conducted by veteran national pollster Doug Schoen provided insight. Here are some results of the survey, paid for by gaming interests:

In the Senate race, which Schoen found to be a blowout for John Ensign, the ex-congressman had very high approval rating -- 59 percent favorable and only 18 percent unfavorable. His opponent, Ed Bernstein, continues to be burdened with unusually high negatives -- 41 percent see him favorably while 35 percent have an unfavorable view of him.

No wonder the Democrats released that poll last week claiming the race is tightening -- Bernstein needs all the spin he can get.

In the presidential contest, it's no wonder George W. Bush continues to enjoy landslide numbers in all polls taken here in his race with Vice President Al Gore. Consider their approval numbers: Gore is upside down -- 44 percent favorable, 52 percent unfavorable. Bush's negatives are high -- 36 percent -- but his positives are very solid -- 58 percent.

The Democrats here better get their act together or their run of two successive victories in presidential cycles is about to end. (One note on President Clinton: His numbers mirror Gore's -- 45-53 --- and that perfectly illustrates the vice president's problem in this election.)

The gamers, not surprisingly, checked on the popularity of one other political figure in the poll -- state Sen. Joe Neal, who wants to take a bite out of their bottom lines. Neal is unknown to half the electorate. Those who know him give him 26 percent favorable marks and 14 percent unfavorable grades; 10 percent didn't express an opinion. What does that mean? He can't carry his tax petition with his name.

The Clark County Commission, heartlessly reviled by certain commentators, is only seen unfavorably by 18 percent of the electorate. (The cross-tabs weren't available, so that is a statewide number. In Clark County, it's surely slightly higher, but still not as bad as some pundits think it should be.)

The state's teachers' union, which has proposed a business-profits tax, has fairly shaky numbers. Forty-four percent have a favorable opinion of the Nevada State Education Association while 31 percent do not have a positive view of the organization.

The gaming industry, as usual, is seen very favorably -- 74 percent are casino-lovers. The gamers would be thrilled, if only that percentage wasn't about the same for the industry in any poll in which Nevadans are asked whose taxes should be raised first.

When given a specific list of issues facing Nevada in the next 10 years, voters chose population growth (29 percent) over schools and education (22 percent) and water (16 percent). It is generally a sanguine electorate. Eighty-one percent say they are happy with the state of the economy. Sounds like good news for incumbents in Campaign '00.