4-in-10 more likely to vote Crombie because of McCallion
endorsement
TORONTO OCTOBER
15th, 2014 - In
a random sampling of public opinion taken by the Forum Poll™ among 769
Mississauga voters, more than half of those leaning or decided will now vote for councillor Bonnie Crombie
(56%), compared to just 3-in-10 who will vote for her principal opponent, Steve
Mahoney (31%). Very few will vote Stephen King (4%) or any other candidate
(9%). This stands in stark contrast to three weeks ago, when Mahoney and
Crombie were essentially tied, with Mahoney in a slight lead (September 27,
Bonnie Crombie - 36%, Steve Mahoney - 40%). What has changed is that Mayor
Hazel McCallion has endorsed councillor Crombie for mayor, and this has effect
of making 4-in-10 more likely to vote for Ms Crombie as a result (40%), while
making just 1-in-8 less likely to vote for her (16%).
Approval of Crombie up, Mahoney down
Among
those aware of her (78%), Bonnie Crombie has the approval of three quarters
(74%), up from two thirds previously (66%). Mahoney's approval among those
aware of him (74% aware) is at 6-in-10 (61%), well down from three quarters
three weeks ago (76%). Stephen King has improved his awareness (from 19% to
26%) and his approval (from 49% to 57%). Hazel McCallion is very popular (85%,
up from 78% previously).
Low taxes most important election issue
Keeping
taxes low is the most important election issue listed (38%), followed by jobs
and growth (21%) and rapid transit (18%). Not seen as important are ethics and
transparency at city hall (10%), policing (4%) or solid waste removal (2%). Low
taxes are equally important to Crombie's and Mahoney's supporters (37% and 36%,
respectively), although Crombie voters see jobs and growth as more important
(27% and 11%, respectively) and ethics at city hall as less so (9% and 14%,
respectively). Stephen King's supporters are most concerned with jobs and
growth (48%).
“It is clear that the royal
touch of Queen Hazel has had the desired effect, and Bonnie Crombie is now
firmly in the lead, after going neck and neck with Steve Mahoney for months. It
is interesting that not only Crombie's approvals have increased as a result of
her anointment, so have Hazel's," said Forum Research President, Dr. Lorne
Bozinoff.
Lorne Bozinoff, Ph.D. is
the president and founder of Forum Research. He can be reached at lbozinoff@forumresearch.com or at (416) 960-9603.
